re: Johnny Manziel Suspended First Half Against Rice (NOW OFFICIAL)

NCAA was on thin ice here. Half a game suspension was a face-saving measure for them that is, frankly, embarrassing. Had they gone after Manziel hard for the autograph scheme, his family, being litigious sorts, would've gone to court. And the NCAA may well have lost. The NCAA's under a lot of pressure right now for their tin can-and-string rules in this wi-fi age, and couldn't risk the complete emasculation of the organization.

I don't think anyone here expected Manziel to miss the Bama game, but a full game suspension seemed reasonable, and two games was not out of the question. But half a game? This just shows how weak a hand the NCAA had.

I'm not bragging or gloating. I'll miss Manziel's talent next year, but not his circus. But this whole episode just goes to show what a mess the NCAA is right now. It's going to take some serious reform to clean it up and make it relevant again.