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Johnny Manziel fined for obscene gesture during NFL preseason game

The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner and Browns rookie will be writing a five-figure check to the National Football League for his transgression.

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Richard Lipski/AP
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, in Landover, Md.

Perhaps Johnny Manziel knew he wasn't going to be named the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback for the 2014 season.

Perhaps it was someone on the Washington Redskins that reminded the Browns' rookie quarterback of certain inadequacies he has displayed during summer training camp.

Or perhaps he suffered a cramp in his hand.

In any event, the former Heisman Trophy winner has been fined $12,000 by the National Football League for making an obscene gesture towards the Redskins' sideline this past Monday night during a preseason game outside our nation's capital.

The fine was reported earlier Friday by several media outlets, including USAToday. NFL.com also reports Manziel has not decided whether he will appeal the fine.

When he was quarterbacking the Browns Monday night, Manziel completed seven of 16 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown in the 24-23 loss to Washington.

Prior to that, the Texas A&M product had thrown for 63 yards on seven of 11 passing in a one-point exhibition loss to Detroit. Manziel and the Browns will host the St. Louis Rams in Cleveland Saturday night in the team's third preseason game.

Manziel made himself available for the 2014 NFL Draft this past May after his second season of college football and was the 22nd overall pick in the first round.

In two years at Texas A&M, Manziel led the Aggies to 20 wins and two bowl games, throwing for 7,820 yards and 63 touchdowns while rushing for another 2,169 yards and 30 scores.

Browns head coach Mike Pettine announced this week that Brian Hoyer will be the team's starting quarterback when Cleveland opens its 2014 season on Sept. 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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