Panthers QB calls out fans who cheered Manziel injury

Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Quarterback Cam Newton said the Panthers fans who cheered when Johnny Manziel injured his hamstring in the second quarter are “classless.”

Manziel did not return to the game after the injury. The

“I was saddened to see the crowd’s response to when he got hurt,” Newton said. “It was classless. Anytime when a person gets hurt you don’t celebrate. I have had that done in my career and it just takes the integrity out of the game.”

Newton has been friends with Manziel for a couple of years. Earlier this week on a conference call with Panthers beat reporters, Manziel said he looks up to Newton and thanked him for his support while he battled through off-the-field issues at Texas A&M.

“For the crowd to respond in that sort of way — we’re better than that,” Newton said.

Manziel’s status for next week’s season finale at Baltimore remains uncertain.

He was injured when he sprinted out to his left just before halftime. Linebacker Luke Kuechly and safety Colin Jones converged on Manziel, taking him to the ground for a 1-yard loss. Manziel attempted to get up, then fell back to the ground. He remained in his uniform but did not return.

Manziel said afterward he felt his hamstring tighten up earlier in the game.

“I kept walking more and I just felt like something that I hadn’t experienced before and felt like I needed to get checked out,” Manziel said.

Manziel, who struggled in his first start last week against Cincinnati, didn’t having much success against Carolina either.

He 3 of 8 for 32 yards and ran twice for 3 yards before the injury. The Browns were outgained 206-68 in the first half and Carolina had 15 first downs to Cleveland’s two.

The Browns (7-8) were eliminated from playoff contention Saturday when San Diego defeated San Francisco.