Lets start our NFL section off with an article about one of the most scrutinized and watched players right now in all of American Football. The one and only, Johnny ‘Football’ Manziel of the Cleveland Browns.
After a strong showing in his first NFL game against the Detroit Lions last week Manziel wasted his opportunity to perhaps take the starting quarterback position away from Brian Hoyer against the Washington “Still Can’t Believe They’re Called The” Redskins. His performance provided little of anything to discuss. However, once again his antics have provided plenty.
Already this preseason Manziel, the 22nd overall pick of the draft, has been photographed drinking vodka on a giant swan, rolling up twenty ‘dollah’ bills in bathrooms in Vegas and been fined for being late for team meetings.
Now, during his second NFL game ever he’s been caught on television and the Twitterverse flipping off the Washington sideline during the third quarter of a 24-23 loss.
The move led to the sure to be tuck tail reactions from Manziel and the Browns coach Mike Pettine who had previously stated they would deal with his antics ‘In House’ and that they expect better from their 2014 first round draft pick.
“This doesn’t sit well with me”, said Pettine. “What we talk about is being poised, being focused. You have to be able to maintain your poise. It’s a big part of all football players, especially the quarterback”.
Maziel himself was remorseful, naming the incident a “slip-up” and saying he should “have been smarter”.
Starting quarterback, for the moment at least, Brian Hoyer merely commented that you have to remember the camera is on you at all times.
Manziel finished the game finishing the game with 7 of 16 passes for 65 yards and one TD.
Simon Traynor