Kevin Sumlin Addresses Manziel Investigation
By Kyle Kensing
Apr 13, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Kevin Sumlin instructs Johnny Manziel during the Texas AM spring game.
Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin addressed media in a Monday morning press conference, as his Aggies begin fall camp for the 2013 season. And, as expected, the NCAA investigation into Johnny Manziel, first reported by ESPN on Sunday, was the dominating topic of conversation.
Sumlin’s press conference is available in its entirety via YouTube. Highlights include Sumlin’s revelation that he just learned of the investigation into Manziel allegedly receiving payment for signing autographs in January, though the NCAA began the process a month ago.
Manziel is barred from media contact on Monday, Sumlin said, but the reigning Heisman Trophy winner will be open to questions later during the Aggies’ fall camp.
And on the topic of fall camp, Sumlin said Manziel will proceed as planned with his repetitions, and preparing a back-up quarterback is the same level of priority now as before news of the investigation broke. Sumlin said decisions will be made as all facts are uncovered. An important takeaway from this is that currently, there are only allegations and this dark photo, which Joe Schad reports one of the brokers who presented these charges against Manziel claims to have taken:
To that end, it’s worth noting Manziel was not named starter until the week before A&M’s 2012 opener. Should Manziel be declared ineligible, Sumlin has a proven track record of success preparing a new starting signal caller in short order.
An Aggie defense facing high turnover has more to address — at least in Week 1. Defensive tackle Kirby Ennis is suspended for the opener against Rice. The status of defensive backs Floyd Raven and Deshazor Everett is undecided.
All the uncertainty lingering over the Aggies might be cause for concern to others, but not Sumlin. He pointed out the low expectations with which A&M entered its inaugural SEC.
Kevin Sumlin led A&M to an 11-2 finish and Cotton Bowl victory in his first season, which was also the Aggies’ first in the SEC.
Below is the complete press conference, and AggieAthletics.com has complete coverage via its Fall Camp Central: