LeBron James' Marketing Agency, LRMR, Cuts Ties with Johnny Manziel

On the same day Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James expressed concern for Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel amid rumors of an excursion to Las Vegas, James' marketing agency decided to cut ties with the embattled signal-caller.   

According to Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon, LRMR Management Company formally dumped Manziel on Wednesday.  

"We've decided to end our formal business relationship with Johnny," LRMR CEO and co-founder Maverick Carter said, per Vardon. "I will continue to support and advise him as a friend. However, because Johnny needs to focus on personal growth, the next phase of his career and because LRMR continues to expand beyond marketing, we made the mutual decision that it was best to terminate our business relationship."

Citing sources, Vardon reported Wednesday's move was a "natural progression" for LRMR since the agency has been seeking to downplay endorsements and focus more on James' "broader business deals."

"I’m more concerned with him individually," James said Wednesday when pressed about his business relationship with Manziel, per USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt.

Manziel's public image has taken repeated hits since he entered a treatment facility last January, and his demotion to third-string quarterback following the release of an unbecoming video that depicted him drinking in late November represented another blow to his long-term outlook in Cleveland. 

Although he eventually reclaimed the starting gig prior to suffering a season-ending concussion, Manziel didn't show up to the stadium for the team's regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, according to the MMQB's Peter King. 

Scott Boeck of USA Today reported Manziel was reportedly seen eating and gambling at the Planet Hollywood casino in Las Vegas on Jan. 2. 

"Frankly, Johnny scared us," an unnamed Browns assistant told Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman. 

At this rate, a change of scenery may be what's best as the 23-year-old quarterback seeks to get his career back on track in 2016.