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Johnny Manziel's father says his son could die soon without help

Johnny Manziel's father says his son could die soon without help

Johnny Manziel needs help, and quickly. So says his father, who believes the embattled quarterback is in deep trouble after twice refusing to enter rehab in the past week.

"I truly believe if they can't get him help, he won't live to see his 24th birthday," Paul Manziel told The Dallas Morning News.

Manziel, 23, was dumped by his agent, Erik Burkhardt, on Friday a few days after his ex-girlfriend alleged he repeatedly hit her in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. Both Dallas and Fort Worth police closed the cases after investigating.

After the family learned of the incidents, it tried to intervene and get him help. But Paul Manziel was upset that Johnny was allowed to walk away from Carrollton Springs Hospital after Paul told police that he thought his son was suicidal. The facility is a psychiatric and chemical dependency hospital that provides inpatient and outpatient treatment to adults suffering from mental illness and/or addiction.

Manziel, who spent time in rehab last offseason, is expected to be released by the Browns. But more important than his employment status right now is his health. Those closest to him are seriously concerned for his life right now.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!