Johnny Manziel Fined $12,000 For Obscene Gesture At Washington Sideline
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has certainly made an impact in his short time in the NFL, but it hasn’t been for the reasons that the team, who selected him in the first round of May’s draft, was hoping for.
After flipping off the Washington bench in a 24-23 Week 3 preseason loss to the Redskins this Monday (August 18, 2014), Manziel has been fined $12,000 by the NFL.
Manziel is apparently still deciding whether or not he will appeal the disciplinary action.
The news comes after the announcement that Manziel would assume backup duties for the Browns, who named veteran Brian Hoyer their starting signal caller earlier this week. Manziel has reportedly struggled to learn the playbook in his rookie season, with whispers that the team’s wide receivers are even helping him call his plays in the huddle.
That’s probably far from the expectations the Browns had for him, and perhaps Manziel could have spent a bit more time learning the pays than partying. It’s been a controversial offseason for “Johnny Football,” who was frequently spotted at Las Vegas nightlife spots, even being caught on film rolling up a dollar bill in a bathroom.
But with his party going lifestyle well documented for years now, the Browns most likely knew what they were getting when they drafted Manziel. Now it’s just a matter of whether or not he can put that behind him and fulfill his massive potential in the NFL.
It’s off to a rocky start for the Heisman-winning quarterback. Will the talented but brash Manziel turn things around in Cleveland?