As expected, the NFL did not take kindly to Johnny Manziel’s middle-finger salute.
The league has fined the Cleveland Browns quarterback $12,000 for his obscene gesture directed toward the Washington Redskins’ bench during Monday’s preseason game, according to multiple reports.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing a league source, was the first to report the news.
The rookie signal-caller took responsibility after the game, saying he momentarily lost his cool amid the usual jawing and trash-talking that takes place on every football field.
“I felt like I did a good job of holding my composure throughout the night, and you have a lapse of judgment and slip up,” Manziel said, via ESPN.com. “I should have been smarter. The cameras were solidly on me. I need to be smarter about that.”
Neither Manziel nor incumbent Brian Hoyer has been particularly impressive thus far in the preseason, and both were downright bad against the Redskins. Manziel completed 7 of 16 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown, while Hoyer was 2-for-6 for just 16 yards.
Browns head coach Mike Pettine announced Wednesday that Hoyer will be the team’s starting quarterback going forward.
Photo via Andrew Weber/USA TODAY Sports Images
