January 8, 2018

Manziel camp gives Ticats deadline of Jan. 31 to reach deal

The Associated Press

HAMILTON — Another day, another chapter in the book that is Johnny Manziel and his potential future in the CFL.

Two days after the Tiger-Cats confirmed they had offered the free agent quarterback a contract, Manziel’s agent, Erik Burkhardt released a lengthy statement about the status of the negotiations and putting forth a deadline of January 31st for the two sides to reach a deal.

On Sunday, the Ticats sent a statement that confirmed that negotiations had begun, saying:

“As per the negotiation list process, Johnny Manziel and his agent recently notified the Tiger-Cats that they had activated the 10-day window during which the Tiger-Cats must offer him a contract or lose his negotiation list rights. That window closed today and we can confirm that we made an offer to Manziel, and that his rights will remain on our negotiation list while discussions with he and his agent continue. We will have no further comment.”

In late December, the Canadian Football League confirmed that  Commissioner Randy Ambrosie would approve a contract for Manziel should one be negotiated after the free agent quarterback engaged in “an ongoing assessment by an independent expert on the issue of violence against women, a review by legal counsel, and an in-person interview”.

MORE ON MANZIEL:

» Ambrosie prepared to approve contract for Manziel
» O’Leary: Manziel signing would be lightning rod of attention for he and ‘Cats
» Jones: Manziel would be the best player to ever play up here


Following the league’s statement, the Tiger-Cats had 10 days by which to either sign Manziel or at minimum offer him a contract in order to retain his negotiation rights.  Sunday’s statement came on the final day of that window.