Report: Johnny Manziel to be investigated by the NCAA

According to a report on ESPN, Texas A&M superstar Heisman-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel is being investigated by the NCAA for signing hundreds of photos and getting paid for it.

ESPN’s Outside The Lines program cites two sources that said: “The Texas A&M quarterback agreed to sign memorabilia in exchange for a five-figure flat fee during his trip to Miami for the BCS National Championship Game. Both sources said they witnessed the signing, though neither saw the actual exchange of money.”

The accused photograph broker is Drew Tieman, who allegedly approached Manziel at Miami Airport when he touched down to watch the National Championship Game between Alabama and Notre Dame.

If he is found guilty, the report says, “Manziel has violated NCAA Bylaw 12.5.2.1 — accepting money for promoting or advertising the commercial sale of a product or service — he could be ruled ineligible.”

BOTTOM LINE: A lot of people on Twitter think that the NCAA is a completely useless entity, so the chances are are that Johnny Manziel will neither be found guilty of this ‘crime’ or get his suspension. Our view is simple: If Johnny Manziel does as required by the NCAA and hands over bank records which shows that there was a transaction, then he’s guilty. If not, he’s innocent. I don’t know Johnny Manziel’s allowance from his parents, and nor does anyone. It’s not exactly public information  – unlike everything else in his life. 

One thing is certain: If Johnny Manziel does get banned for this season, then college football is going to lose out….not just Texas A&M.