Forget football...Johnny Manziel's life is out of control.

It's so bad that the Cleveland Browns had to deny an ESPN report Tuesday saying they covered up Manziel being hungover at a December 30 team meeting by putting him through the league's concussion protocol instead.

That came days after his father, Paul Manziel, told the Dallas Morning News on Friday that his son has twice refused to enter rehab while pleading, "I truly believe if they can't get him help, he won't live to see his 24th birthday." 

Sports legends Shaquille O'Neal and Deion Sanders have publicly stated that they're willing to help Manziel overcome his personal demons.

But what's help to someone who can't seemingly help himself?

What a fall from grace it has been for Manziel, who was a Heisman hopeful with a promising NFL career, which has repeatedly been hampered by his own transgressions, whether they be too much partying, a reported drinking problem and possible issue with controlled substances or two alleged domestic violence incidents within the past four months.

Manziel's ex-girlfriend told authorities that she suffered a temporary loss of hearing as a result of being assaulted by the football player in a hotel room late last month, according to reports.

Needless to say, an intervention is needed. But will it come in time?

Manziel may never play another down of football in the NFL again, but we're well past that at this point. Now it's about him finding a way to preserve his life.

Then, and only then, could he ever think about putting together a solid professional football career.

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(Photo: Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)