Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, receives a slap on the wrist following the investigation by the school and the NCAA. Manziel was accused of taking money for signing autographs. Did the school and NCAA decide to send a “message” with their punishment of such a high profile player?
Well, they sent a message alright. Manziel is suspended for the first half of the season opener against Rice University. Why did they even bother?
Manziel was initially accused of receiving at least $10,000 fee from “Florida sports memorabilia collector Drew Tieman for signing autographs last January, during Manziel’s visit to the site of the 2013 BCS Championship game.” During the three week investigation, others came forward and said they paid him money as well to sign items.
But in the end the NCAA and the school determined there was no evidence of these claims. So, Manziel gets an A+ for covering his tracks – if the allegations were true.
USAToday reports:
“But the NCAA and the school agreed that student-athletes should know that when signing numerous autographs in one sitting, such autographs are likely to be sold for commercial purposes.
Texas A&M and the NCAA agreed on the suspension, which was proposed to the NCAA by Texas A&M. The investigation is considered to be closed.
A&M declared Manziel ineligible Wednesday. In addition to the half-game suspension, in order to be reinstated Manziel must address the team regarding lessons learned. Texas A&M will revise its educational process regarding signing autographs for individuals with multiple items. The NCAA accepted those conditions, the school said, based on currently available information and Manziel’s testimony in an interview with investigators.”
They did not close the door on potentially investigating further, if more evidence appears. Yep, that is just a bone they are throwing. We all know that unless someone produces a videotape, the school and the NCAA are not going to kill the golden egg.
You can read the full story at USAToday.
Then tell us, if this were a black athlete, would he receive such a light penalty? (Wonder what Dez Bryant would say?)
