NCAA investigating whether Johnny Manziel was paid for autographs

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http://tracking.si.com/2013/08/04/nc...el-autographs/



The NCAA is investigating whether Johnny Manziel was paid for signing autographs in January, ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” is reporting.


The Heisman Trophy-winning Texas A&M quarterback agreed to sign hundreds of autographs on photos and sports memorabilia in exchange for a five-figure flat fee during his trip to Miami for the BCS National Championship Game, according to the report.

Manziel reportedly met with autograph broker Drew Tieman at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Jan. 6.

From the report:

Three sources said Manziel signed photographs, footballs, mini football helmets and other items at the request of an autograph broker named Drew Tieman. Two sources, who are aware of the signing arrangement, told “Outside the Lines” that Tieman approached Manziel on Jan. 6 when he landed at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to attend the game between Alabama and Notre Dame the next day.
After that meeting, three sources said, Manziel, accompanied by his friend and personal assistant Nathan Fitch, visited Tieman’s residence and signed hundreds of items in the main room of the apartment despite the fact that there were many people in the room. Before Manziel left South Florida, after taking in the title game, he signed hundreds of autographs more, one source said.

NCAA assistant director of enforcement James Garland contacted Tieman and at least one person associated with the signings in June to ask about Manziel-autographed items that were on sale on eBay, according to the report.

Manziel could be ruled ineligible to play if the investigation finds that he violated NCAA Bylaw 12.5.2.1 — “accepting money for promoting or advertising the commercial sale of a product or service.”

The investigation continues a tumultuous offseason for “Johnny Football,” who has been under fire for his partying habits, which may have contributed to his early departure from the Manning Passing Academy in July.