Bernard Pollard: Manziel's middle finger set bad example for kids
Cleveland Browns rookie Johnny Manziel generated a lot of attention Monday night when he extended his middle finger toward the Washington Redskins' sideline during a preseason game. One player who took note of Manziel's antics was Tennessee Titans safety Bernard Pollard, who did not approve of the gesture.
The nine-year veteran told The Tennessean that Manziel set a bad example for kids:
"I don't know what was said, I could really care less. But we as players, we are blessed with this opportunity to play this game. We are on a stage, regardless if you want to say it or not, or believe it or not,'' Pollard said. "… He is a quarterback, and every young boy wants to be a quarterback, they want to be a face of a franchise, they want to be that guy. He is in that position.
Everybody has seen [the gesture], and that set a bad example for a lot of young people...
I don't know what to say about him at the league level. I don't know who he is. He has to prove himself ... All we can do is judge him off of game play. And that gesture, that wasn't good."
More: Browns QB? Flip a coin
Pollard is entering his second year with the Titans. Last season, he started all sixteen games, recorded 77 solo tackles and three interceptions.
During Monday's game, Manziel completed 7 of 16 passes for 65 yards and one touchdown.
More: Redskins LB Orakpo: Johnny Manziel's middle finger 'hilarious'
- Alex Hampl