Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel finds himself at the center of another issue regarding his behavior. This latest incident occurred Monday night during a preseason game in Washington.
Maniel extended his middle finger toward the Washington bench in the third quarter. The gesture, which was caught on camera, came after Manziel threw an incomplete pass near the Washington sideline with 2:28 remaining in the quarter.
Washington players had taunted Manziel throughout the game and the former Heisman Trophy winner, who was struggling throughout the evening, responded unprofessionally.
Afterward, Manziel acknowledged that his reaction was inappropriate.
"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. "I mean, I didn't think it was positive."
Extending his middle finger isn't the only thing from Monday night that Manziel might want to put behind him. His performance on the field was also less than impressive.
Manziel finished 7-of-16 passing for 65 yards. He threw for a touchdown, but was sacked three times during the Browns' 24-23 loss.
His competition for the Browns starting QB job, Brian Hoyer, also struggled. Hoyer completed two of his six passes for 16 yards and was sacked once.
As usual @DanWetzel nails the Johnny Manziel middle finger incident. If Manziel wants to make it - he better get used to trash talking. #NFL
— Jim Lang (@JimLangSports) August 19, 2014
But it was Manziel's derogatory gesture that received much of the attention, leaving some to question whether he is mature enough at this time to be an NFL starting QB.
Browns head coach Mike Pettine was not happy after learning about his rookie QB's gesture.
"It did not sit well," Pettine said. "I was informed of it after the game and it's disappointing. Because what we talk about is being poised and being focused -- that you have to be able to maintain your poise.
"That's a big part of all football players, especially the quarterback, that we have to keep our composure. So that's something that we'll obviously address with him."
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