DEVELOPING: And The Aggie GA Is Fired

That didn't take long...

In a two-paragraph apology, Texas A&M head football coach Kevin Sumlin has dismissed grad assistant Michael Richardson for his two shots on West Virginia players in yesterday's Liberty Bowl in Memphis:

From George Schroeder's Twitter:

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin has permanently dismissed student assistant Michael Richardson for striking WV player. pic.twitter.com/qaxaop3zt9

— George Schroeder (@GeorgeSchroeder) December 30, 2014

For those of you under a rock, here are the two plays that got Richardson in hot water

How Not To Remain A Student Assistant

((HT: ESPN/Football News))

If you're a student assistant for a football program, you're the lowest on the totem pole.

You're the guy that analyzes film at really odd hours
You're the guy that makes index cards for whoever wants them for game planning
You're the guy that makes those really big placards that have the symbols that, supposedly, tell the offense what the next play is

But, you're not the guy that is supposed to do this to West Virginia players during the Liberty Bowl

TWICE!!! Once to corner Daryll Worley and the other to RB Andrew Buie


The Texas A&M assistant, Michael Richardson, was given the football equivalent of being sent to his room- he was told by head coach Kevin Sumlin to remain in the locker room for the second half.

More on the future of Richardson when we know more...

Morning Wrap: Texas A and M Blows Up Kyle Field

Let the renovations begin.

Texas A and M took the big step in renovating their football stadium Sunday morning by imploding a large chunk of the west end seats.

The school has already kicked off the $450 million renovation of Kyle Field which will increase the capacity to over 102,000 seats.

In addition, the new west side of the stadium will include a "Hall of Champions", premium seating and suites and upgraded TV facilities.

All that and it's expected to be done in time for the beginning of the 2015 season.

Good luck, that's a pretty tight timeline.

Here's video of the implosion from the Aggies their ownselves...

#KyleField has taken the next step in becoming the premier football venue in all of college football #12thMan

A video posted by Aggie Athletics (@12thman) on Dec 12, 2014 at 6:01am PST

Morning Wrap: Texas A&M Ends Auburn's Playoff Hopes

((ht: cbssports.com))

Raise your hand if you saw this one coming. (Not you Aggie fans)

Texas A&M, losers of three straight SEC games, managed to squeak out a 41-38 win vs. a sloppy Auburn team at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The Aggies led for the entire game, a game where both defenses...um, well, struggled. And the game was in doubt until the very end, when the Tigers fumbled the ball on consecutive drives at the end of the game. Drives that would probably have given them the lead had they not gotten the dropsies.

Auburn botched a handoff from Nick Marshall to Tailback Cameron Artis-Payne on the Aggies 2-yard line late in the 4th quarter. A and M's Julian Obioha recovered. And with 54 seconds left and the ball on the Aggies 28, Auburn Center Reese Disumkes snapped the ball to QB Nick Marshall while Marshall appeared to be changing the play. Alonzo Williams fell on the ball for A and M.

Game over.

Freshman QB Kyle Allen was exceptional, throwing for 277 yards and 4 TD's. Auburn was led by Tailback Cameron Artis-Payne who ran for 225 yards and a pair of TD's.

The loss drops Auburn to 7-2, 4-2 in the SEC. And it eliminates them from both the SEC title game and the College Football playoff. They still have games with Georgia and Alabama left.

The Aggies move to 7-3, 3-3 in the SEC.

Your highlights from CBSSports.com:

Texas A&M Suspends QB Kenny Hill for 2 Games

((ht: collegefootballtalk.com))

Well, that love affair ended quickly.

Texas A&M announced Saturday morning that very recently demoted quarterback Kenny Hill will be suspended for 2 games after a violation of team rules and athletic department policies.

#aggiefootball #tamu Kenny Hill has been suspended for two games.
— Aggie Sports (@Aggie_Sports) November 1, 2014

#aggiefootball #tamu Kenny Hill has been suspended for two games.
— Aggie Sports (@Aggie_Sports) November 1, 2014

Hill, who after a stellar opening week performance against South Carolina, got his family to try and trademark the name "Trill" Hill, has been considerably less than stellar since that performance. The premature Heisman hype that came after the game has totally disappeared.

Coach Kevin Sumlin promoted true freshman Kyle Allen to take over against Louisiana-Monroe for the reeling Aggies who have lost the past three games and after being in the early season Top-10, has fallen completely out of the rankings.

Bret Bielema Has Issues With Hog Walk

((HT: Jimmy Cone via Instagram))

Some people, like some in the Vrabel household, might hashtag this #karma as well...

But, hey, the pavement was a little on the wet side...

Nice recovery, though...
Carry on...

Johnny "B" Good, 'Bama Be Better 49-42

In the most anticipated college football game in the history of the universe Alabama marched into College Station, Texas and left with a win 49-42.

Here's the highlights from WVTM-TV.


WVTM-TV: News, Weather, and Sports for Birmingham, AL

 Johnny Manziel's numbers, 28/39 for 464 yards, five touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Texas A&M let Johnny Football talk to the media.




"Well he played Johnny-like, that’s about the way to put it."  Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin said.  "He scrambled around and made some plays but he also stayed in the pocket and remained efficient."

ICYMI: Photo of Manziel Signing for Broker Emerges

So...here we are, the day before Texas A&M plays Alabama at home, in College Station and what should suddenly appear on the inter webs?

A photo of Aggie QB Johnny Manziel signing autographs for a broker.

And not just any broker, but the guy who ESPN says paid him for said autographs. Said autographs that earned the defending Heisman Trophy winner a half-game off in the Aggies season opener.

But there's no proof of said payment.

Sure, the photo, showing Manziel and autograph broker Drew Tieman looks pretty bad. And the timing of it's appearance raises more than a few questions.

But there's still nothing to prove a transaction between the two took place.

Yes, ESPN.com did a story saying Tieman paid an authentication service $10,000 to certify the autographs, but that money didn't go to Manziel.

Read the story and see the photo RIGHT HERE

For their part, A and M is not commenting on anything having to do with this issue. And there are pitfalls that go along with not saying anything, nor allowing Manziel to speak for himself.

Though if you consider the hype, consider the circus and consider the storm that anything the kid does creates in the blogging world, why would you make him accessible?

Add in CBS, which is going to foist the "Johnny Cam" on us during the Aggies game with Alabama, and you can see why the kid is becoming over-exposed.

OSG's College Football Crystal Ball For Week 2

#2 Oregon at Virginia

I’m racking my brain to figure out what was the biggest game ever played at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville and boom it came to me, when the Wahoos defeated Florida State in 1995 to end FSU’s ACC winning streak.

Oregon rarely crosses over the big rocks (Rocky Mtn’s) much less go as far east and the Ducks are travelling.  You have to go back to 1970 when Oregon played at West Point since the Ducks have travelled this far east. 

Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich come away impressed with the Virginia Defense.

They dominated BYU [defensively], which doesn’t happen very much.” Helfrich said in his weekly teleconference.

That may be the case last week but Virginia defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta loves a challenge and this is a biggie.

“…obviously this is one of the best college football teams in the country, and we happen to have the chance to play them here in Charlottesville.”

Yes Virginia you do but Oregon will be way too much to handle.

Oregon 42, Virginia 17

San Diego State at #3 Ohio State

The Aztecs were defeated by Eastern Illinois last Saturday.  What kind of chance do they have against the Buckeyes.

The Ohio State University 48, SDSU 3

South Carolina State at #4 Clemson

Do you think the Tigers will have a let down.

 “I know everybody looks at the schedule and thinks that it’s SC State versus Clemson.”  Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said.  “It’s an FCS team, but if you think that way then you get beat. I think there were eight FCS teams that beat FBS opponents last Saturday.”

Clemson fans, don’t worry.

Clemson 58, SC State 10

San Jose State at #5 Stanford

This was a close game last year with the Cardinal winning 20-17.  The Spartans defeated Sacramento State 24-0 for a confidence boost before heading the The Farm. 

Saturday is Stanford’s season opener. 

 “That’s [San Jose State] a good team,”  Stanford head coach David Shaw said.

The Spartans have won eight straight, that streak ends.

Stanford 34, San Jose State 24

Sam Houston State at Texas A&M

Raise your hand if you are over Johnny Manziel………. That’s what I thought. 

College Football’s spoiled brat will play again at Kyle Field to dismantle the Sam Houston defense.

“They are a tremendously talented team led by a Heisman Trophy winner.”  Sam Houston State head coach Willie Fritz said.  “But playing in front of a crowd of more than 88,000 again will be a great experience for our players and good exposure for Sam Houston State.”

Enjoy the experience Bearkats

Texas A&M 49, Sam Houston State 10 

More to come, stay tuned.

DEVELOPING: Manziel Suspended For First Half Vs. Rice (UPDATED w/NCAA Response)

((HT: ESPN/McMurphy))

Well, is this the beginning or just the beginning of the end...???

Brett McMurphy is reporting that JFF is suspended for the first half of the Rice matchup...

In an agreement between the NCAA and Texas A&M, the NCAA has acknowledged Manziel did not receive money for signing autographs.

However, after not discussing the matter Tuesday, In the Ess-E-Cee teleconference Wednesday, TAMU head coach Kevin Sumlin ungagged the school-mandated gag order and talked about how his QB has dealt with everything in the off-season...

"Johnny's handled it very well," Sumlin said. "Everything around football, he's been extremely sharp and focused."

The HQ would like to remind everyone of the following 2 words: "Plausible deniability..."

Here's your flashback involving Jack Ford talking with Tim Brando about JFF...
((HT: CBS Sports))


More when we know more...

From the NCAA their own selves...

Texas A&M University and the NCAA confirmed today that there is no evidence that quarterback Johnny Manziel received money in exchange for autographs, based on currently available information and statements by Manziel. Due to an inadvertent violation regarding the signing of certain autographs, Texas A&M declared Manziel ineligible and submitted the following conditions for reinstatement to the NCAA:

A one-half game suspension for Manziel

Manziel will address the team regarding the situation and lessons learned

Texas A&M will revise its future education concerning student-athlete autographs for individuals with multiple items

Based on the information submitted by the university, the NCAA accepted the conditions as put forward by Texas A&M. If additional information comes to light, the NCAA will review and consider if further action is appropriate.

NCAA rules are clear that student-athletes may not accept money for items they sign and based on information provided by Manziel, that did not happen in this case.

Manziel Questioned By NCAA, Both Sides Full Steam Ahead...

((HT: Feldman/CBS Sports))

Time for everyone to quote Bruce Feldman...

Johnny Manziel met with the NCAA on Sunday and denied allegations he took money for signing autographs- and pretty much denied everything...

For five and a half hours... and the focus was his financial records...

"The focus of our coaches and student athletes is solely on preparing for Rice this Saturday, and in the best interests of Texas A&M and the 100-plus student-athletes on the team, I have instructed Coach Sumlin, his staff and our student-athletes to refrain from commenting on or answering questions regarding the status of our starting quarterback, Johnny Manziel," athletic director Eric Hyman said in a prepared statement.

But that hasn't stopped anyone from talking about Manziel as the starter this weekend against Rice...

Here's Feldman on "The Dan Patrick Show"
((HT: Dan Patrick Show their own selves))

What Should I Do: Re-Post This Hilarious Johnny Manziel Spoof

((ht: thefarmclub.net))

Oh, this will be the funniest college football video you'll see today.

Check out this Johnny Manziel/Johnny Football spoof video produced by thinksquaredmedia.com. It's a riff on the LeBron James "What should I do?" commercial from a couple of years ago.

And yes, it pokes fun at pretty much everything that the Texas A&M quarterback and defending Heisman Trophy Winner has made headlines for this summer.

Watch and behold:

Reports: More Memorabilia Issues for Johnny Manziel (Does it matter?)

((ht: espn.com))

Just when you think you've heard enough about Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, there's more.

On the heels of Monday's report by ESPN's Outside the Lines that Manziel accepted a hefty payment for autographing memorabilia before the BCS Championship game, comes Tuesday's follow up.

That follow alleges that Manziel was paid $7500 for signing helmets while attending a Walter Camp Foundation event and that there is video to prove it.

Now mind you. the video, according to ESPN's Joe Schad, who has allegedly seen it, doesn't show Manziel taking any money. But...Schad reports that it does have audio of Manziel telling the broker "you never did a signing with me" and that if the broker ever told on him, he'd never do business with him again.

The broker says Manziel wanted the money to buy new rims for his car. (odd)

Now...that being said. It appears the broker in question wanted money to allow ESPN to run the video.

They declined. (Good for them)

Read Schad's entire story RIGHT HERE

This story is quickly becoming fascinating to follow for several reasons. If you are a Twitter reader, I suggest you check out @jaybilas's feed. He's had some harsh and not unfounded criticism of the NCAA, who are already investigating this.

The discussion is raging over whether Manziel should be suspended, penalized or otherwise if the allegations are true.

And...in the big picture and reality of things, no he shouldn't.

BUT!!!!

Ask the University of Georgia if A.J Green should have been punished for charging $1000 for a signed jersey. (He served 4-games) Green's suspension ruined what could have been a potential championship year.

It will be very, very interesting to see how this is handled. Yes, there's been a lot of discussion of the NCAA and their uneven enforcement. And this case may be their highest profile one yet. If they can prove any of the allegations, technically, it's a rules violation.

But we do not believe they'll be able to prove this. We don't. But Texas A&M is prepared, Monday evening, they retained the services of the same law firm that represented Cam Newton and Auburn when they were being investigated.

No, in the end, we believe this will end up being a lot of smoke, a lot of talk and oh, so little action. But for now, it's making for great theater.

Report: NCAA Now Investigating Johnny Manziel

((ht: espn.com))

So, the summer of Johnny Manziel's discontent continues.

A report late Sunday afternoon by ESPN's "Outside The Lines" crew cites sources (3 of them) saying Manziel made an agreement to sign memorabilia for an autograph broker while in Miami for last years BCS Championship game. And the report says the NCAA's assistant director of enforcement is apparently aware of the issue and investigating.

The rule, which has bitten a variety of College Football players over the past few years has led to several suspensions.

Perhaps the most noteworthy of those, Georgia's AJ Green who was forced to sit for 4-games a few years ago after it was found he signed jersey's for an autograph dealer and was paid for it.

Green sat, if memory serves, 4-games.

Read the entire ESPN story RIGHT HERE

If true, this may very well be the capper to what's been a bizarre, headline filled spring and summer for last seasons Heisman Trophy winner.

From being kicked out of parties to showing up at high profile events, Manziel has been the center of media attention wherever he goes and often for what ever he does. And he's been the focus of extensive, long-form reports from ESPN and Sports Illustrated within the past couple of weeks.

Many outside the Texas A&M family and probably some within are quickly tiring of the 20-year old dubbed "Johnny Football". Based on the profile stories, he does not seem to be totally prepared or capable of dealing with the fame and attention he now gathers.

Those in Aggie-land are no doubt hoping this ends up being much ado about nothing. The season is a month or less away.

If this ends up being true, it remains to be seen if #2 will be taking the field when that first kickoff arrives.

Here's Darren Rovell with Todd Grisham
((HT: ESPN))

OSG High: 3 Dead In Fatal New Mexico Rollover Includes TAMU And Utah Players (UPDATED)

((HT: MyFoxDFW/KRQE-TV))

Three teens including a freshman football player at Texas A&M died in a car accident in New Mexico just north of Albuquerque near the town of Cuba.

Polo Manukainiu was driving back from Utah Monday night. He was a two-time all-district defensive end for Euless Trinity High School.

Before the trip he tweeted, "22 hour drive back to Texas on no sleep. Oh my," around 5:30 local time Monday afternoon.

On his twitter feed, there were those who wished that he would be careful including one message that said: Pull over & get some sleep. We don't need another tragedy. Be safe & God bless. #gigem

According to Emmanuel Gutierrez of the New Mexico State Police, five people were in a Toyota SUV (pictured right, thanks KRQE-TV) at the time of the crash. Two of them were ejected and the cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Utah football recruit Gaius Vaenuku and current Euless Trinity player Lolo Uhatafe were also killed. A fourth unidentified person has been airlifted in critical condition. The condition of the fifth person is unknown.

Reaction is starting to pour out of College Station...

"Heart hurts waking up to news about Polo.. I think I speak for everyone on our team when I say we love you brother you will be missed," A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel tweeted.

Manukainiu was a two-time All-District 6-5A defensive end in high school, and helped lead his team to an undefeated regular season as a senior. The redshirt freshman was a recreation, parks and tourism sciences major.

More when we know more...

1600 UPDATE: It appears, according to NMSP, that the older brother of Lolo Uhatafe was driving the SUV. 18-year-old Siaosi Uhatafe, and his father, Salesi were the two who were injured.

The New Mexico State Police said the driver, Siaosi Uhatafe, was the only person in the vehicle who was wearing a seat belt.

Here's reports from NBCDFW from Euless...


“We lost a terrific young man,” Texas A&M head football coach Kevin Sumlin said. “Polo was loved by his teammates and coaches. Anyone who came in contact with him was struck by his sense of humor and smile. My heart aches for his mom and family members.”

“Everyone who knew Gaius is heartbroken today,” said Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham. “He was the kind of young man who lit up a room and his future in football and life had no boundaries. Words cannot express our devastation over the loss of Gaius. This is a sad day not only for University of Utah football, but for everyone whose lives Gaius crossed or would have crossed but for this tragedy. Our hearts go out to Gaius’ and Salesi’s families, and to the Texas A&M coaches and players. We are praying for the speedy recovery of Salesi and his father.”

ICYMI: Because It's Johnny Football Making Headlines (again)

Bwahahaha!

Sorry, this isn't really that newsworthy, but we just kind of found it amusing in a funny sort of way.

If you haven't seen it already, there's video circulating this weekend on the Interwebs of Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel getting tossed out of a University of Texas frat party.

Apparently, he tried to cross the streams:



We might add here (see photo), he apparently made Interweb headlines for wearing the Tim Tebow Jets jersey. Why that matters, we don't know. However, the ironic humor in said gesture is quite rich.

And yes, we are officially weary of Mr. Football, but we decided to post this more because it gave us an excuse to use the Ghostbusters video and that joke.

Manziel and his teammates should be taking the field any day now and with it, we hope, comes the end of his galavanting ways, at least for a couple of months. It's time to see if he can back up the hype and live up to where the bar was set, last season.

Here's your Frat Party video (Manziel is in the pink):

ICYMI: Report--Johnny Manziel Kicked Out of Manning Passing Academy

((ht: fansided.com))

So, Mr. Johnny Football is continuing his tour of winning friends and influencing people....

According to multiple reports, Johnny Manziel was asked to leave the Manning Passing Academy, run by the Manning family primarily to work with High School players., after showing up late on Saturday for his work and missing several meetings.

Folks at the academy told reporters the Texas A&M quarterback was "Sick". However a little digging apparently found Twitter pictures (since removed) of Manziel enjoying a night on the town Friday evening with friend and Alabama QB A.J McCarron. McCarron apparently found his way to the meetings and work Saturday.

Is this unto itself a major faux pas? Depends on your definition. It probably won't do much to help him with the Manning's (Archie, Peyton, Eli or Cooper). No, their blessing will nor does not make or break people.

But it does continue the growing impression by many not associated with A&M that Manziel has some growing up to do. He's had a series of off field questions pop up this spring and summer. Most having to do with him doing what a college kid with money can do if he wants.

There's only one way for Manziel to quiet his growing legion of critics, improve on his freshman season, which is not going to be so easy to do. How do you top winning a Heisman your first time out?

2 TAMU Starters Accused In April Beating, One Arrested

((HT: KBTX-TV))

According to a police report out of College Station, Texas two victims and witnesses told local police that there had been an altercation at a place called the "Hookah Station" on April 7 when two Texas A&M starters Floyd Raven, Senior (mugshot off to the right, thanks to the Brazos County Sheriff's Department) and Deshazor

Everett had been spraying champagne- angering another group of patrons.

Raven and Everett have been charged with two counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief for an incident after the initial contact where the victims returned to their apartment complex and were pulled out of their own car by a large group of people that included the two football players.

Police interviewed the two players who later claimed that "eight to ten unknown men" joined them.

Everett told police he came face-to-face with one of the victims in the melee, but he claims that someone else punched that particular person and knocked him down.

Raven, when interviewed, said a person he "had problems with" at the bar threw a punch and missed. Raven told police he followed up with two punches and knocked the man down. Raven was jailed late Monday morning with bond set at $4,000 for each of the three charges he faces. Everett had not been arrested as of early Monday afternoon.

One of the victims said there was nearly $1,400 in damage done to his SUV.

You might remember Everett for doing this last season...
((HT: SEC Digital Network))


"The Hookah Station...?"
Really...???

Report: Johnny Manziel Considered Transfer and Was Suspended

((ht: collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com))

Is anyone else growing weary of the persistent whining...and smack talk coming from reigning Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel?

Just days after a briefly posted Tweet stating "I can't wait to leave College Station", comes a report in the Dallas Morning News that (a) Manziel was initially suspended by Texas A&M for the 2012 season and (b) would have transferred had not that suspension been overturned.

Manziel's suspension was apparently based around his June 2012 arrest for fighting and possession of fake ID's. That suspension came from the school, not from the football team. The school later reconsidered.

Read the entire story from the Dallas Morning News RIGHT HERE

As for the Twitter comment, Manziel is saying it was a response to getting a parking ticket.



Stop whining Johnny.

It's been interesting watching the change in attitude coming from College Station after last years successes. Between Manziel getting in trouble every month or so for Tweeting something he shouldn't and the school's athletic director running smack on Alabama and Nick Saban, they are not doing a lot in the "Win friends and influence people" category.

It will be interesting to see how the backlash begins...or more specifically when.

Texas A&M Continues Running Smack on Alabama

aggielandoutfitters.com

Have ya ever heard the saying "Be careful what you wish for?"

That would be our piece of advice to the happy-go-lucky crew over at Texas A&M.

Just one day after Athletic Director Eric Hyman started a Twitter battle by saying "What does the Moon and Texas A&M Have in Common? We control the Tide", the t-shirt has arrived.

Yes, that is it there on the right.

Most of you know the Aggies stunned themselves and the world by going 11-2 last year, their first in the SEC, beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa and had a Heisman Trophy winner.

Not a bad 2012.

But the question asked is: Should you not let sleeping dogs lie? Yes, we know Nick Saban and Alabama are heading to College Station this upcoming season, but do you really want to talk smack now?

Of course, you can add them to the list of people that includes a University of Florida defensive coach and Arkansas head coach Brett Bielema.

We all will see what happens in Week #3.