Well guys... he's my QB, and even we are sick of this sh!t. There still isn't a money trail... Assuming he maintains his innocence, I'd love to ask him: Why did you sign that stuff? Like the rest of you, I can only think of one reason... :cry:
I'm sorry, Scott. I like A&M. Besides you, I have friends I really care about who are diehard A&M fans. I hate that you and they have to endure this stuff.
:shock: I've always liked Texas A&M too, but this doesn't look good... Report: Broker says Johnny Manziel was paid $7,500 http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2013/08/06/report-broker-says-johnny-manziel-paid-7500/2624831/
Scott, I really hope he did not accept "any" money any time...I know what its like as a fan of a team when things like this blow up and when the media smells a blood trail or makes one of their choosing...
A former coach who works at my gym and has ties to A&M says that he's hearing that it's the Uncle who took the money. But he's had it with the situation as well. He said he'd just as soon the kid took his ball and family and moved on, that A&M will still be there when he leaves. I see that they have hired Cam Newton's lawyers so you know they are going to try and string this out so he can play and that in the end they are going to find some way to pin it on a family member or close friend and say Johnny never knew somebody was getting the money.....hell maybe it's Cam Newtons dad again! For the record I was really looking forward to the kid playing this year, that OU game just left me breathless and wanting more of that type of football. And as you know I'm loaded down with Aggies in my family.
Just an educated guess... but based on some stuff I've heard I think A&M will declare Manziel ineligible in the next week. Then the lawyers will attempt to negotiate something less than a full season suspension. Unfortunately, I see no way he'll be playing against Bama. What a ridiculous waste. The good news... This is all on him and not on A&M. He was well educated about the rules... and seemingly decided they didn't apply to the great Johnny Football. Wrong Sporto...
Scott, I hope you're wrong and this is all a misunderstanding, but..... You know I said last year that Manziel would have a hard time living up to winning the Heisman as a freshman, but I think it will bebecause defenses will adapt and he will come back to earth. It may be that winning the Heisman as a freshman was a curse of a different sort. I guess we will see. :x
Obviously Gipper the front office structure of those organizations have no use for TT but he was a breath of fresh air for the college game..... especially when compared to some others that have come after him.... Cam Newton being one of those for example. "Unfortunately, I see no way he'll be playing against Bama." I hope like hell one of THE best games of the coming season isn't royally screwed up by this mess. By the way.... Jay Bilas ripped the NCAA a new one over it.....maybe that will make a diff?
Some interesting research done by a guy on another site: (it doesn't change JF's case, but does make you consider the angle of pursuing the Heisman winner) 1. Clowney has 241 items on Ebay and 47 on Amazon. 2. Manziel has 229 items on Ebay and 144 on Amazon. 3. Gurley has 151 items on Ebay and only 4 on Amzaon. (Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia). 4. Miller has 133 items on Ebay and 70 on Amazon. (Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio St). 5. Bridgewater has 110 items on Ebay and 90 on Amazon. 6. AJ McCarron has 97 items on Ebay and only a few on Amazon.
JFF might just be the tip of the iceberg. I have to ask you, if you were a college football player who knows the rules and choses to abide by the rules. Why would you sign a lot of stuff for anybody? Sure sign some caps or stuff as you are walking off the field, but that's about all I would do. I'd tell the brokers to stuff it. If the team was doing a charitable thing with a hospital or something, sure sign some stuff for the kids. But some dude bringing you 100 photos (or more) for you to sign..forget it.
I've hesitated to chime in here because, well because. However I think Scott has it right, it just doesn't look good and by all accounts Texas A & M did their best to educate him and avoid a situation like this. I am afraid this screwed the Aggies season and their chances of winning the West took a big hit. I think JFF could well play football for the Aggies again but he will miss a significant amount of time. A & M might just choose to cut their ties with him.
Terry, To expand on that line of thought... how many schools are not even running in the black? It's a large number from what I've seen. A&M's athletic deptarment does manage to pay it's bills, but there is no profit.
I wonder if any of those players will earn an actual degree in the 4-5 years ( or less ) they are technically considered "students". You are getting free tuition, room , board, tons of spiffs and the thrill of playing a sport at the highest level. If that's not good enough, get the hell out!
Part of a friend's thoughts. I found them interesting with respect to how inconsistent the NCAA rules can be. (sorry Terry... he has no love of your school!)