quote:
The NCAA could have enough to suspend him, but doesn't know if it will be 2 games, 6 games, or the rest of his career. They may have enough to strip his eligibility, but there may also be a way he can get it back. They could easily advise aTm to sit him until the case is closed, because, for example, if the penalty is two games but that decision isn't made for another three weeks, and aTm plays him anyway, then aTm vacates those games also and possibly suffers further penalties for playing an ineligible player.

You are operating under the belief that the NCAA would make recommendations if it were in such a position. That belief is wrong. The NCAA has the ability, and has done so in the past, to suspend a player indefinitely and then at a later date finalize the number of games, sanctions, etc.

Under your scenario, Manziel would be suspended indefinitely at a given time and then when it's all sorted out they would give him the number of games. They wouldn't "recommend" anything to A&M and give them the ability to play him anyway if they knew he did it, for a coupe reasons. First, giving a program the ability to play a player that they have proof of guilt on is unheard of. It has literally never happened. Second, the NCAA would have no grounds to punish A&M after they fact if they gave them that decision. Only if they recommended something, then at a later date found more evidence and A&M played him, could they pursue action against A&M. Saying he's guilty, but you can play him if you want for now just doesn't happen.