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Rick Zamperin: Johnny Manziel closes the door on the Ticats, CFL

Johnny Manziel continues to look for an opportunity in the National Football League.
Johnny Manziel continues to look for an opportunity in the National Football League. AP Photo/Don Wright

Well Ticats fans, how do you like them apples?

Johnny Manziel is making headlines again after sending out a tweet Wednesday afternoon.

Wasn’t this the same guy whose agent demanded the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who own his CFL rights, give Manziel a “fair deal?”

Didn’t Erik Burkhardt draw a line in the sand in January when he asked for Zach Collaros-type money for the former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback?

Yes, and yes.

And now Manziel is willing to play for free?

Here’s a former U.S. college football superstar whose NFL career was derailed by substance abuse, domestic violence issues and a general reckless attitude — and instead of playing in Canada, and earning money while doing it, Manziel would rather beg for even a practice roster spot in the NFL.

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What does that say about the Canadian Football League?

Manziel’s latest tweet reeks of desperation and it’s not a good look.

This is the same person who was cut by the Cleveland Browns in 2016 for assaulting his then-girlfriend, the same guy who partied in Las Vegas instead of getting ready for the 2015 season finale against Pittsburgh, and the same man who is now on medication for bipolar disorder.

Manziel will be taking part in the Spring League in April, which is basically a free agent camp for wannabe pro football players.

Even if “Johnny Football” lights it up next month, NFL teams will have to weigh his on-field skills against his troubled past and determine whether he’s worth the risk.

As for playing in Hamilton and the CFL, it’s obvious that Manziel has closed that door.

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