Sumlin, As Well As Manziel, Should Face Tough Questions Wednesday

Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel looks forward to returning to the field after a turbulent offseason. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes – USA TODAY Sports

When Texas A&M QB Johnny Maniel takes the mic Wednesday at SEC Media Days, he is expected to talk about the circumstances that led to his leaving the Manning Passing Academy.

That bit of information came as part of an ESPN.com report on Monday, which indicated that Manziel apologized to Texas A&M coaches for the circumstances of his departure.

The bigger and better question about this story is simple: Why?

Not as in “Why did Manziel not fulfill his obligation to the Manning Passing Academy?” or “What were the circumstances leading to his departure?”

Instead, the questions should center around why ESPN.com reporter Joe Schad accessed the information to break the story.

Who possibly had access to that information? Manziel, Manziel’s family, Texas A&M coaches and… who, exactly? Call it a hunch, but Manziel probably didn’t call the coaches to a public lunch setting and apologize profusely and publicly. Rather, Manziel likely apologized behind closed doors.

How, then, did Schad find out about the apology? Who, specifically, leaked the information and for what reason?

Isn’t there enough scrutiny of the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner? Aren’t the lights on him bright enough? What possible reason is there to call further attention to him?

Perhaps it should be head coach Kevin Sumlin – and not Manziel – who should face tough questions on why his players aren’t better protected.