REPORT: NCAA Investigating Johnny Manziel In Autograph Deal

Jan 04, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A

ESPN’s Outside The Lines reports the NCAA is investigating Texas A&M Aggies quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel in a pay-for-autograph deal.

From OTL:

"Two sources tell “Outside the Lines” that the Texas A&M quarterback agreed to sign memorabilia in exchange for a five-figure flat fee during his trip to Miami for the Discover BCS National Championship. Both sources said they witnessed the signing, though neither saw the actual exchange of money."

Manziel has lived under a microscope since becoming the first freshman to win college football’s most prestigious individual award. His various off-field and social media antics have been the topic of constant and divisive, if not inane, discussion.

However, Manziel being at the center of an NCAA investigation for reportedly taking a sum of five figures is serious. The Aggies are ranked No. 6 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, coming off an 11-win season in which they were the sole opponents to knock off national champion Alabama. Manziel is the centerpiece of Kevin Sumlin’s explosive offense.

Manziel was involved in an NCAA decision this winter, prohibiting student-athletes from profiting off merchandising lawsuits. The so-called “loophole” came to the NCAA’s attention after the corporation Manziel’s family established for the quarterback collected damages from an A&M fan selling “Keep Calm and Johnny Football” t-shirts.

Should this probe uncover major NCAA violations, it poses a serious threat to Manziel’s eligibility. The last major memorabilia scandal in the NCAA involved Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor, as well as four teammates. Pryor was eventually forced out before his final season of eligibility, and the scandal cost Jim Tressel his job.

Running back Eric Dickerson was a primary player in the scandals that landed SMU unprecedented NCAA penalties. His reaction when the news broke Sunday, via Twitter:

Editor’s note: Terrelle Pryor/Ohio State reference updated.