Despite making an obscene gesture and not putting up huge stats, Cleveland Browns rookie Johnny Manziel still appears to have a shot at winning the starting job. Browns coach Mike Pettine announced Tuesday the competition at quarterback between Manziel and incumbent starter Brian Hoyer would continue.
Manziel completed 7-of-16 passes for 65 yards and one touchdown in Monday's 24-23 loss to the Washington Redskins. Pettine apparently didn't like what he saw from either signal caller - Hoyer went just 2-of-6 for 16 yards - and told reporters Tuesday afternoon he wasn't prepared to announce a starter.
While Manziel may not be relegated to the bench just yet, he certainly didn't do himself any favors when ESPN cameras caught him giving the middle finger to the Redskins' bench.
"It did not sit well," said Browns coach Mike Pettine of the gesture after the game, via ESPN. "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."
The lack of composure will likely cost Manziel $11,025, although he can appeal the fine and potentially have it reduced to around $6,200.
One group of players who weren't upset by the gesture, however, was Washington.
"It was hilarious," said Orakpo, who seemingly instigated the incident. "We were messing with him a little bit, just saying this ain't college and stuff like that. We were having a little fun. Manziel flipped us off. It was something funny. We were all laughing on the sidelines."
