Texas A&M's Manziel hits field, lands on bench in first game since signature scandal

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel (2) walks away from an official after he received a personal foul penalty during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Rice, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel (2) scrambles for yards during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Rice, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, in College Station, Texas. Manziel missed the first half due to an NCAA suspension. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (AP2013)

Here’s . . .  Johnny!

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, suspended for the first half of his team’s Saturday game against the Rice University Owls, amply proved the provocateur when he eventually did hit the field and got under center.

First, Manziel, aka “Johnny Football,” reportedly mimed his signature after gaining a first down on an 8-yard run, a not-so-subtle reference to the brouhaha -- and resulting suspension -- concerning allegedly receiving cash from a memorabilia dealer in return for his John Hancock.

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Then, as USA Today reported, he made another gesture after tossing a touchdown pass – this one suggestive of a Jerry Maguire-like, “Show me the Money!” holler.

Finally, he reportedly earned a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that later engendered a harsh rebuke from his coach, Kevin Sumlin.

“I hoped that at this point he'd have learned something,” Sumlin reportedly said after the fact. “That's why he wasn't going back in the game, no matter what happened."

Manziel was not made available for interviews after the game, according to USA Today.

Texas A&M beat Rice 52-31.

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