Partying sends Browns QB Johnny Manziel back to bench

Johnny Manziel enjoyed the bye week and after learning of video and photographic evidence of the quarterback partying in Austin, Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine said Tuesday that Josh McCown will replace Manziel as the starting quarterback this week.

"Johnny will be the third quarterback. I've spoken to (general manager) Ray (Farmer) and (owner) Jimmy (Haslam) to inform them of my decision, and they are in full support," Pettine said Tuesday in a statement released by the team after the coach met with the media earlier in the day.

"Everyone in this organization wants what is best for Johnny just like we do for every player in our locker room. I'm especially disappointed in his actions and behavior because he has been working very hard. The improvements from last year to this year have been tremendous but he still has to consistently demonstrate that he has gained a good understanding of what it takes to be successful at the quarterback position on this level. It goes well beyond the field. We are going to continue to support him in every way possible, but at this point, we've decided it's best to go with Josh as the starter going forward."

Manziel, who spent three months in a rehab facility he entered voluntarily in January, can be seen drinking champagne and in a general party atmosphere in photos and video published by the website Busted Coverage.

"Disappointing. Very," said a visibly frustrated Pettine on Tuesday before a decision had been made.

Pettine only seven days before had named Manziel the starter for the remainder of the 2015 season, a move designed to help the Browns determine if Manziel was an option as the long-term solution at quarterback. The Browns have not had the same starter for three consecutive seasons since returning to the NFL in 1999.

Manziel's off-field issues cast doubt over his future during his redshirt sophomore season at Texas A&M and despite effort to make changes, the Browns are not seeing the type of commitment expected of a face of the franchise.

Pettine asked for time to review the video and gather more information about the timing of the video before he announced the change.

McCown started Oct. 11 and helped the Browns beat the Baltimore Ravens, who are up next on Cleveland's schedule.

Before he returned home to Texas for the bye weekend, Manziel said he was elated for the opportunity on the primetime stage of "Monday Night Football."

"Coach Pett said I couldn't ask for a better stage, so I guess he said it pretty well," Manziel said." I wanted the chance to be the guy and that was always my goal. I'm excited, I think as I should be. This is a great opportunity with a great group of guys that are going to go out and fight with me every week so I couldn't be more excited."