Ryan Leaf challenges Marcus Spears over ‘phenomenal’ Johnny Manziel documentary take
Ryan Leaf Sues Marcus Spears For ‘Phenomenal’ Shot Of Johnny Manziel Documentary
- Ryan Leaf has previously criticized Untold: Johnny Football’s coverage
- Leaf has criticized the lack of solutions to Manziel’s substance abuse problems
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Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf has again criticized Netflix for his portrayal of Johnny Manziel and his wider influence on viewers.
The former No. 2 overall pick was critical of the Untold: Johnny Football documentary after its release in early August.
On Monday, Leaf countered ESPN’s football analyst Marcus Spears’ statement that Manziel’s portrayal is “phenomenal.”
‘The story of Manziel is phenomenal! Respect for him for being open and also a life lesson for everyone we consider successful and want to be. Fighting like crazy not to be in that place,” Spears wrote.
Leaf’s response was both a rebuke from Netflix and Spears, which he later revealed.
“Why when sport is involved everyone seems to put on blinders. In an effort to entertain @netflix, the call ended,” he said.
“It stigmatized MH, suicide and substance use disorders. Not offered solutions and taking advantage of someone with an untreated illness.’
Ryan Leaf (L) took issue with comments from Marcus Spears praising the Manziel documentary
Spears and Leaf had civilized back and forth on X Monday night while discussing the special
The Netflix-produced hit can be traced back to Manziel’s storied run as Texas A&M and beyond
Spears was unsure if it was a shot at himself and asked Leaf for clarification.
“So it’s not clear what you’re saying, Ryan. I said what I took from it. I don’t know or don’t understand your point.’
Leaf, who was an advocate for mental health after his own personal struggles, explained his issues with Spears’s outlook.
“More towards @netflix but towards you,” he replied. Phenomenal is the last word I would use to describe it. Manziel’s doctor did not teach.
“It made a mockery of mental health, suicide, substance use disorders and a cartoon of the Johnny Football character and offered no curative solutions.”
Leaf’s online rhetoric has a similar feel to what he conveyed during an interview with Outkick’s Hot Mic starring Jonathan Hutton and Chad Withrow last week.
“Again, people have taken advantage of Johnny Manziel,” he told the co-hosts.
“There were no solutions, no focus on the bipolar diagnosis and how he’s coping and living with it around his substance abuse.”
After being picked second overall by the Chargers in 1998, Leaf only lasted four years in the league – he struggled most of that time before finally retiring in 2002. The Washington State legend attempted an end in 2012 to make his life.