Imagine if Johnny Manziel had given the Washington Redskins' bench "the toe."
The NFL fined the Cleveland Browns backup quarterback $12,000 for gesturing with his middle finger toward the Redskins sideline Monday night, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, per a league source.
The incident occurred after the rookie took an earful from Redskins players when he was forced out of bounds in the third quarter. As Manziel jogged away, he responded by flipping the bird over his shoulder with his right hand.
Manziel is still weighing whether to appeal or not, Rapoport reported, according to someone who has spoken to the player. If the first-year player appeals the fine (which is more than $11,025 minimum for the offense), it could be reduced to 25 percent of his weekly check -- or about $6,000.
The Browns announced this week that Manziel will start the season on the bench behind veteran Brian Hoyer.
*The "Around the League Podcast" AFC Season Preview is here. You're welcome. *
