Johnny Football

[bsmooth]

Does Manziel win the Heisman this year?

[el diablo]

Definitely in the conversation. Only one bad game (vs. LSU), as a freshman. 68% completion percentage. 24 TD's to 8 int's. 3 of those came in one game.

[Landshark]

He's a freshman, he's got three more chances to win it.  Texas A&M figures to be scary good next year.

[bsmooth]

Definitely in the conversation. Only one bad game (vs. LSU), as a freshman. 68% completion percentage. 24 TD's to 8 int's. 3 of those came in one game.

He had 19 rushing too?

[masterfins]

I think there are enough arrogant sports writers that won't vote for a freshman.

[el diablo]

He had 19 rushing too?

Sorry. I just came across that fact this morning. Along with the 3419 passing yds.

[Landshark]

I think there are enough arrogant sports writers that won't vote for a freshman.

Apparently not.  Now you can call this kid Johnny Heisman.

[Landshark]

BUMP

Looks like he might not see the field this year and possibly not again.  Word is out he signed autographs for money, a clear and serious violation of NCAA rules.

[Spider-Dan]

Actually, looks like now that it's a rich white kid that broke the rules, suddenly The Media is in an uproar about The Plight Of The College Athlete.  Is Johnny Manziel college football's Rosa Parks because he signed some jerseys for money?  According to a Fox Sports reporter, yes.

Oh, and this same reporter's opinion of Terrelle Pryor receiving free tattoos?  A "college football terrorist."  The irony doesn't stop there, either.  More about Pryor (emphasis added):

"Please also stop with the 'he’s a catalyst for change' meme.

Real change begins with a guy willing to sacrifice for a larger principle, the guy standing in front of the tank at Tiananmen Square, not a guy trying to get the Chinese word for 'Buckeye' tattooed onto his bicep for free.

No revolution ever began with “Free tattoos” as a battle cry. Or “Show me the money,” as in Reggie Bush’s case, or “Hey, Nevin, pass me a stripper,” as in the allegations against The Miami 15."

Apparently, Johnny Football selflessly sacrificing himself to take money for signing jerseys is just the principled stand America needed.

Now, I've previously said that I think the NCAA is shamelessly exploiting these players.  But the rank hypocrisy on display sickens me.  That being said, if it takes a rich, white, Heisman-winning QB from the SEC to break the rules in order for people to question how exploitative they are, I'll take it.

[bsmooth]

I don't think it will change anything. The NCAA stands to lose too much money if it lets this happen, plus all the major sports will just turn into farm teams for the pros.
Also once they can get paid, what stops the big money boosters from getting involved and paying players to attend certain programs.

[Phishfan]

Mt problem with the kid has nothing to do with these NCAA rules. I think he is simply an overgrown brat. His other actions are what concern me much more than this autograph story.

[CF DolFan]

I agree Phish. The only statement this kid is making is he is an immature ass.

[MaineDolFan]

Mt problem with the kid has nothing to do with these NCAA rules. I think he is simply an overgrown brat. His other actions are what concern me much more than this autograph story.

+1

[el diablo]

Susprned for one half of first game. This is why the NCAA has NO credibility.

[CF DolFan]

Susprned for one half of first game. This is why the NCAA has NO credibility.

The statement said there was no evidence that Manziel received payment for signing autographs.

The NCAA and A&M agreed on the one-half suspension because Manziel violated NCAA bylaw 12.5.2.1, an NCAA representative confirmed. The rule says student-athletes cannot permit their names or likenesses to be used for commercial purposes, including to advertise, recommend or promote sales of commercial products, or accept payment for the use of their names or likenesses.