The popularity of Browns QB Johnny Manziel, along with a seat reduction at FirstEnergy Stadium, could "affect the availability of Browns single-game tickets" this season, according to Kevin Kleps of CRAIN'S CLEVELAND BUSINESS. The team's $120M renovation "includes a reduction in the seating capacity from 71,000 to 68,000." The stadium's reduction in capacity, "plus 3,000 season tickets sold in a four-day span" after Manziel was drafted, "equals fewer tickets that need to be sold when the Browns make single-game duckets available in late July or early August." Browns President Alec Scheiner said on May 9 that the team "had 'room' to sell more season tickets, but 'not tons of room'" prior to selecting Manziel the previous day in the NFL Draft (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 5/19).
GIMME SHELTER? USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell wrote the Browns' "newly-empowered brain trust needs to grow up." The team held its rookie minicamp this past weekend behind a "virtual Iron Curtain in an effort to minimize the buzz" around Manziel. Bell: "There's legitimate interest in your brand ... and you want to pour a bucket of cold water on that? Only the Browns, who have that laughingstock thing down pat" (USATODAY.com, 5/17). In Akron, George Thomas wrote it is "completely understandable why the Browns are limiting national media attendance at the minicamp." But to say that "no national media will be on hand is a bit disingenuous." The AP "is at all Browns briefings, as is ESPN because they have reporters based in Cleveland" (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 5/17). USA TODAY's Lindsay Jones wrote there is a "dichotomy in Cleveland" regarding perception of Manziel. Jones: "Is Manziel the face of the franchise, as the merchandise rush and season ticket sales show? Or is he a faceless rookie backup quarterback, which is the message out of team headquarters in Berea, where the franchise is trying to keep Manziel out of the spotlight?" (USATODAY.com, 5/17).
JOHNNY SOCIAL: In Cleveland, Tom Reed wrote, "If you're a Browns fan and looking for the wilder side of Johnny Manziel on the Internet, don't bother with his social media accounts." His Twitter and Instagram accounts "primarily are dedicated to football, friends and family." Manziel is "attempting to make over his image using social media." Manziel's "change of keystroke" from a more candid approach to social media "seemed to coincide with hiring agent Erik Burkhardt and sports marketing company LRMR" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 5/18).
