Johnny Manziel Could Be Done

I hate to wish this... But...please be true

paying to sign autographs. Sounds like how they got Al Capone.

Surely he's not that stupid!

I don't feel like reading through 50 pages of shite talking to try to figure out fact from fiction. Has there been any word on how much merit there is to the claim he got paid for signing autographs? How much or how big of a violation is that? What kind of realistic penalties is he/A&M facing?

What an idiot...and we all know it's true. Everyone has supected weird shite was going on with all of his court-side appearances, etc.

Allegedly he was paid a "flat five-figure fee" for signing lots of pictures and other memorabilia. By a broker in Miami when he was there for the BCSCG. Shortly after, there was a flood of signed items on ebay from the same broker. He likely took the money. The question is whether they'll be able to prove it.

I still think the fact that he has a PA is an issue. This Uncle Nate character represents Johnny, handles the press for him and schedules appearances. If he even once crossed the line and discussed compensation for autographs, regardless of whether any money actually changed hands, he's become an agent. He's representing and marketing the athlete's skills for compensation. At that point, Johnny is employing an agent, and is ineligible.

When the dust settles on this, it will be used to change the rules, no doubt.

Like 911 was used to change the rules.

They won't let a crisis like this go to waste.

Even if he's not found guilty, this will catapult the rule change discussion.

There is more than one issue here. First, he signed a contract when he accepted his scholarship saying he would abide by NCAA rules and cooperate with them if they ever felt the need to investigate; this includes providing info like bank statements, cell phone records, etc. Whether you think the rules are fair or not doesn't matter - he agreed to abide by them while he is a student athlete.

One of those rules is that athletes will not work with an agent who promotes their skills or likeness for money. Another of those rules is that student athletes may not profit from their skills or likenesses while they are student athletes - if they do, they are no longer amateurs, but professionals, and thus no longer eligible to participate in NCAA sports. Another issue is that based on this information that has come to light from brokers, and A&M's statement on March 6, 2013 that Johnny denies ever knowingly signing anything that was to be sold, or accepting money for his signature, means he's been dishonest and deliberately tried to get around the rules. And, he's made A&M complicit in his deceit since they released the statement.

I think, personally, that's why A&M hired the Lightfoot law firm. They are preparing to protect the university.

Regardless of what anyone thinks of the rules, Johnny agreed to play by them. If he hasn't done so, and it definitely appears
that he hasn't, he could (and IMO should) lose his eligibility. The arrogant way he has flaunted his disdain for the rules is just ridiculous.

Now, do I think the rules need to be reformed? Sure I do. But it doesn't apply to this case.