Johnny Manziel did not drink when his former high school coach lived with him in the spring and summer, the coach told USA Today on Saturday.
"He kept his sobriety alive and well when I was there," said Julius Scott, whom Manziel asked to live with him after leaving treatment in April.
Scott, 55, quit his job and moved in with Manziel for several weeks. He reacted with concern when he read that Manziel told police he had two drinks with his girlfriend Monday in downtown Cleveland.
"If he asked me if I thought drinking was a good idea, I would say absolutely not," Scott said.