Browns’ Hue Jackson sidesteps questions about Johnny Manziel

INDIANAPOLIS — Hue Jackson could filibuster for only so long before the question arrived.

Jackson kicked off his first scouting combine news conference as head coach of the Cleveland Browns with a Belichick-ian seven-minute spate of clichés, but even in that there were clues as to the kind of team Jackson wants to put together.

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He mentioned “team” and “accountability” more than once. Jackson also mentioned mental toughness and character as two more things he wants his players to possess.

And then it came in: a question about the status of Johnny Manziel.

“I knew that question was coming,” Jackson said with a smile.

Although he essentially punted on the question, saying that Manziel’s “status would be evaluated” at the right time, Jackson made one thing clear. Behavior consistent with what Manziel has done in his first two years with the Browns, which Jackson likely saw parts of as a division rival with the Cincinnati Bengals, will not be something he allows with his new team.

“His future with this team will be addressed pretty soon,” Jackson said, “but let me say this … That kind of behavior will not be tolerated. That’s all I am going to say about that. Our organization is going to take a stand.”

The head coach reverted back to the team’s statement on Manziel from earlier in February that essentially read like a goodbye letter. All indications are that Manziel, whose latest incident is being investigated by police for a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend in Texas, will be cut by the Browns close to the start of free agency, which begins on March 9.

Jackson also was asked about the status of suspended receiver Josh Gordon, who could regain his eligibility after meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Could Gordon return to the Browns with Jackson’s blessing?

“I’ll say this like I’ll say about a lot of players,” Jackson said. “Is he a good fit for us?”

Asked if the Browns will draft a quarterback with the second overall pick of the draft, Jackson said: “Everyone thinks we will. But we’re going to take the player that’s best for us.”

But with Manziel’s days in Cleveland nearing a close, it appears, that need to draft a quarterback — potentially for the seventh time since the 2000 draft — remains quite high.