Manziel act rocks no more

“Johnny B. Goode” — a smashing rock-and-roll hit by Chuck Berry in 1958, now doubling as my advice for Johnny Football.

Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, now the backup to Brian Hoyer, has to take a step back from being in the limelight.

All summer,the media’s attention was focused on him and every move he made. The pictures with boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather and pop star Justin Bieber were funny and enjoyable.

Heck, the money telephone was quite laughable.

But for me, flipping the bird on Monday night in the game in Washington when he knew all the attention was on him, was the last straw for me on “JFF.”

Johnny has to know better. Yes, he said words were “exchanged” between him and the Redskins sideline.

No excuse. That’s football.

People are going to say stuff to you on the field to throw you off your game.

In that regard, Washington succeeded.

Manziel was 7-for-16 passing for 65 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked three times too. Not an impressive performance for someone who thinks highly of himself.

As for the one-finger salute, Manziel played it off in the press conference saying, “I felt like I did a good job of holding my composure throughout the night, and you have a lapse of judgment and slip up.”

That may be true Johnny, but you can’t do that. This isn’t college anymore.

It is time for Manziel, who is 21, to grow up. Many stars and players go out and have a good time. Just don’t do it for the retweet or the Vine. That’s insensible.

The whole middle-finger event seems like a heat of the moment thing but also seemed like Manziel asking for more attention. As if he hasn’t received enough already.

Head coach Mike Pettine said Manziel’s act “did not sit well” and was “unacceptable.”

The incident sealed Manziel’s fate.

I’m glad Hoyer is the starter. Manziel proved he can’t handle the NFL lifestyle or competition.

Pettine said, “[Hoyer] was the clear leader from the beginning. We’ve maintained all along that if it was close, I would prefer to go with the more experienced player.”

The child’s play needs to end from Manziel. Yes, he apologized for it but he shouldn’t have had to. He never should have done it. Plain and simple.

I’m tired of hearing him say sorry. All summer he’s been saying “sorry,” “I’m just a kid” and even “I’m not doing anything wrong.” Well obviously, you are doing things wrong.

And if you keep acting this way, you’ll be holding the clipboard and wearing a headset for much longer than you think.

The NFL is a league for men not boys, Johnny. It’s time to realize all the fame will go away if you don’t change your ways on and off the field.

You can’t be a rock star, you have to be a role model.

If you can’t change or at least tone down the spoiled rich kid act, you will lose the respect of many.

And who knows, the Browns might give you the bird and send you on your way.

So Johnny, listen to the real rock star and just be good.

Write Vindicator sportswriter Curtis Pulliam at cpulliam@vindy.com and follow him on Twitter, @Pulliam_Vindy.