Cleveland TV Station Trolls Bengals Marvin Lewis at Presser

((ht: fox8.com))

Oh my gawd. This is the funniest thing we've seen all day. And it makes a very strong point as well.

WJW-TV in Cleveland sent one of their on air personalities, 'Lil Jon Rinaldi to Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis's Wednesday press conference.

The reason for Rinaldi being there: Lewis's comments to a radio station on Monday calling Cleveland Browns QB Johnny Manziel a midget.

Manziel we might add; stands 6 feet tall.

The 4 ft 3 Rinaldi, a well know personality in the Cleveland area asked Lewis a couple of questions in the presser, both prefaced by comments about height.

To his credit, Lewis did not bite, answering the question in purely football technical terms.

Wow! Strong statement by the TV station there. And honestly, it's a different perspective coming from Rinaldi.

Mind you Lewis has apologized for his comments and said repeatedly he did not intend to offend anyone with them.

Still, this is a possible "Troll of the Year" candidate...

Johnny Manziel Finally Gets To Play And Scores Cleveland's Only Touchdown

Johnny Manziel Scores Against Buffalo

Well Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine did it.  Pettine went to the bullpen and pulled
starting quarterback Brian Hoyer after a sub par performance against the Buffalo Bills.

Johnny Manziel came in to give the Browns offense a boost and he did including scoring his first NFL touchdown the way you expect Johnny Football to.

Manziel ran it in to get the Browns to within 10 points.



Of course Johnny Football flashed the money sign after he scored what turned out to be Cleveland's only touchdown of the game.

Manziel's final numbers were 5 of 8 for 63 yards and rushed for 13 yards.

Hoyer's numbers were 18 for 30 for 192 yards and two interceptions.

Needless to say the Buffalo Bills won the game 26-10.

This Happened: The Ballad of Brian Hoyer

((ht: sportingnews.com))

Johnny who in Cleveland?

We couldn't pass this up when we saw it.

It appears some fans in Cleveland are taking their love of the Browns starting quarterback to a new level and to song.

The Ballad of Brian Hoyer now exists and it's hilarious.

A couple of Browns fans put together this song with a photo montage and posted it Thursday afternoon. It pays tribute to Hoyer, a kid who was raised in the Northern Ohio and who held off Johnny Manziel to be the starting quarterback in Cleveland.

We don't know how long the infatuation will last, the Browns are 1-1 as they face Baltimore on Sunday and if they go on a losing streak, we suspect Hoyer won't be 'DA MAN if that happens.

MIchael Sam Sacks Johnny Manziel, Celebrates Appropriately

((HT: Tommy Beer's Vine))

All the HQ can really do is laugh and say: "Good for you..."

Just watch


See...???

Now, THAT was funny...

Akron Rubber Ducks Adds The "Johnny Footlong" To Their Concession Menu.

[HT: Akron Rubber Ducks]

Johnny Manziel now has a food product named after him.

The Akron Rubber Ducks announced they have created the "Johnny Footlong" to it's extreme foods menu at their ballpark Canal Park.

The "Johnny Footlong" that is being sold at Canal Park in Akron, Ohio

Johnny Footlong sounds like a really bad porn movie. Yes their are some many really bad jokes here that we will let you imagination take over.

If you do decide to eat the "Johnny Footlong" those of us at the OSG HQ recommend you have a bottle of Tums with you.

According to the Rubber Ducks the "Johnny Footlong" is an 8-ounce Five Star hot dog topped with Texas Jack chili, shredded pepper jack cheese and Sriracha sauce.

"Johnny Football mania is in full swing at Canal Park, and we are excited to have a food & beverage offering dedicated to the new Browns Quarterback. It's an exciting time for the Akron and Cleveland area," Rubber Ducks General Manager Jim Pfander said.

No word if Johnny Football himself has enjoyed a "Johnny Footlong".  Then again that would be none of our business.

This Is Why The Padres Drafted JFF Today

((HT: George Whitfield, Junior's Vine))

Fourth swing at Petco back in May before their game with Washington


Good for you... as the "Summer of Johnny" continues...

He was drafted 837th overall by the Padres... a bit of a drop from 22nd overall...

Report: Browns To Ban National Media from Mini Camp

((ht: sportingnews.com))

This should be interesting.

It appears there's rumblings of a national media ban at Cleveland Browns HQ for Rookie Camp. And that ban would keep the national media types away from newly crowned darling Johnny Manziel.

Already "Johnny Football" has become the apple of ESPN's eye, with him getting Tebow-like airtime on the endless parade of Sports Center reruns. And if the ban is true, we wonder what happens next.

New York Post NFL writer Bart Hubbuch was told by the Browns PR department to not waste his time coming to camp:

Browns PR director told me: "We don't want this to be a Tebow situation. It's not going to be Johnny Football Mania out there."
— Bart Hubbuch (@HubbuchNYP) May 13, 2014

This should be interesting, to say the least.

Read more from The Sporting News RIGHT HERE

So...we think this has the makings of a PR disaster. Not because the Browns are doing the wrong thing mind you. But rather because we think the league will get involved on behalf of it's "Partners".

And while Mr. Football may very well turn out to be a huge star who reinvigorates the moribund Browns franchise, he still has yet to take an NFL snap. He could also turn out to be Tim Tebow.

The Browns should shield him from the wall-to-wall, breathless, nonsensical coverage that an ESPN would give him. Already they devoted a large chunk of "Outside the Lines" once a source of quality journalism to debating whether Manziel should have been told he's the "Backup" QB.

Until he plays and competes, that's exactly what he is. This should not be a "Groundbreaking" moment for anyone. Rookies in the NFL are not given jobs before the season starts. He's going to have to earn it.

So we applaud the Browns for at least making the attempt to quell the circus. The national guys will get there opportunity in July when Training Camp starts. Let the guy breathe. Let the team get acquainted with him. And give the local guys a break.

We can tell you from 1st hand knowledge, the national media creates nothing short of chaos when they show up to cover someone. They change the rules, the dictate the ability of everyone else to tell a story. They ask questions the local have been asking for weeks. They don't get time with the guys they want. And that ain't right. If you are there covering the team day in and day out, you should always get the 1st shots. It doesn't matter who you are or who put you on a plane to get there, you (national guys) shouldn't get the chance to walk over the locals.

Just our 2-cents--

For starters---the introductory presser:

Duke Found Out That You Can't Stop Johnny Football

The legend of Johnny Football added a new and perhaps final chapter at the Chick-Fil-A Bowl Tuesday night.

In what many (and those of us in the OSG HQ) believe was the final game for Johnny Manziel in a Texas A&M uniform led an Aggie rally with a performance typical of his moniker "Johnny Football"

Texas A&M was trailing Duke 38-17 at halftime then the Aggies got serious.  Manziel led Texas A&M to 35 second half points to lead the Aggies to victory 52-48.

Thanks 12thManTV


Here's sound with Johnny Manziel and his Texas A&M teammates.  You will notice Manziel will not spill the beans when asked about declaring for the NFL draft. Thanks 12thManTV



As Manziel said in that sound bite he felt he was in the zone and wanted this game.  His final stats prove that.

Manziel complete 30 of 38 passes for 382 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 71 yards and scored a touchdown on the ground.

Duke head coach David Cutcliffe has tutored some great NFL quarterbacks and knows a great on when he sees one.  Coach Cutcliffe saw one in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl.

"He (Manziel )was special.  Just like you knew, he was able to create plays." Cutcliffe said. "One of the touchdowns there early in the second half, you know, looked like we had him down three times.  He's so strong.  I mean, he's really strong. "

Johnny Manziel Shows Limited Basketball Skills

Uh, yeah, so....um....Texas A&M football quarterback Johnny Manziel, (aka Johnny Football), well, he's back in the offseason spotlight. And at least this time it's kind of funny.

Manziel found himself at Saturday night's Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Bobcats game in Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta.

((note---He's in the ATL preparing to lead his Aggies vs. the Duke Blue Devils in the Chick Fil A Bowl game Tuesday night))

And as what seems to be his (Manziel's) norm, he got a lot of attention.

So much so that he got called out of the crowd and was asked to take part in a "Skills" competition. Which is when THIS happened....

Ooops....(thanks for sharing ESPN)

Johnny Football Says He's Ready For The National Football League

Photo: Texas A&M Athletics 

[HT: Fort Worth Star Telegram]

Never accuse Johnny Manziel (aka, Johnny Football) of being to full of himself.

The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner will be seeking advice from others before making a final decision about the NFL Draft but Manziel self-assess himself rather high.

“In my mind, I think I am,” Manziel said in a press gathering.

That's a big hint as to Manziel's intentions following Texas A&M's Chick-Fil-A Bowl game against Duke.

“I feel like I’m playing, for the most part, at a really high level of football. I’m putting the ball where I want it to be and I’m throwing it with a lot of velocity.” Manziel said.

Manziel did have a strong year finishing ninth in the NCAA in passing averaging 311 passing yards per game, just ahead of Jameis Winston who many feel will win the Heisman Trophy Saturday.

While Manziel will get the input from his head coach Kevin Sumlin and from George Whitfield, Jr. who privately tutors quarterbacks.

“You don’t want to go and be unprepared for the National Football League and leave two years on the table." Manziel said. "It all comes down to making the best decision for you. Whether you’re ready. Whether teams are quarterback-needy. You look at all your factors.”

Manziel will but you get the impression his mind is made up and will play his last game for the Aggies at the Chick-Fil-A bowl.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/12/11/5412088/texas-am-qb-manziel-declares-himself.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/12/11/5412088/texas-am-qb-manziel-declares-himself.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/12/11/5412088/texas-am-qb-manziel-declares-himself.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

CFB Saturday: Wrapping Up SEC Upset Craziness

Anybody still want to argue that the SEC is the best conference in college football?

Saturday's game action proved one thing--They're not.

Pretty much every "name" program in the conference lost. And not for the 1st time this season.

We start in Vanderbilt where the limping Georgia Bulldogs continue their tumble down the polls. And ironically, the Dawgs were up 13 going into the 4th quarter in Nashville.

But that's when the wheels fell off.

A fumbled punt, a botched punt snap and a solid performance by Vandy's backup QB Patton Robbinette was all it took for that lead to evaporate and Vanderbilt to get the their 1st win over a ranked team since the 2008 season, 31-27.

Your highlights from CBS Sports:



The craziness continued just 3 hours East in Knoxville when Tennessee knocked off media darling South Carolina when Michael Palardy drilled a 19-yard field goal at the buzzer giving the Vols a 23-21 win.

The Gamecocks didn't exactly help themselves with 3 turnovers and 9 penalties. This despite a big game by star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

But Tennessee stayed close, and a circus catch by freshman WR Marquez North was enough to put Palardy in position to give his team their 1st win over a ranked team since 2009.

Your highlights from our friends at ESPN:



And while that was happening, Missouri took full control of the SEC East by dominating an outmanned Florida team in Columbia, Missouri.

QB Maty Mauk stepped in for the injured James Franklin and threw for 295 yards and a TD, Henry Joseph ran for 136 and a score and the Tigers defense sacked beleaguered Gator QB Tyler Murphy 6 times and was in his face pretty much the entire game.

The 36-17 win will get Missouri a place in the Top 10 and a now 2 game lead over their closest competition in the SEC East.

Your Highlights again from our friends at ESPN:



And finally Auburn continues in run towards regaining relevance by taking down Johnny Football and Texas A&M in College Station early Saturday evening.

Auburn QB Nick Marshall threw for 236 and 2 TD's and ran for 100 yards and two more to lead the Tigers to a crazy 45-41 win.

The Tigers were winless in the SEC in 2012 and arguably one of college football's worst teams. The change this season under new coach Gus Mazlahn is nothing short of miraculous.

No, there wasn't a lot of defense played in this game, Manziel threw for 434 yards and 4 TD's and his WR Mike Evans caught 11 passes for 237 yards and a couple of scores. But when Manziel went down with a shoulder injury, the Aggies defense couldn't stop Auburn. Manziel would return, but had a hard time throwing.

The loss pretty much eliminated the Aggies from SEC West or any national title contention.

Your highlights from CBS Sports (There are a lot of them):

The Dirty Dozen and Bottom of the Barrel: Johnny B. Good Edition

So, did you watch the Alabama/Texas A&M game this past Saturday.

Anyone remember this?



Fun stuff, right?

Great game...if you were an offensive guy. And yeah, Johnny Football (Manziel), he was pretty good. Only problem...A.J McCarron was better.

But in all seriousness, as usual, we're nearly a week in and the season is quickly sorting itself out.

Unless you are Bo Pelini...



Interpret that as you will.

In the meantime...last week, not bad: 14-0, watch out '72 Dolphins...and a combined 25-1 on the season.

So with that in mind, it's "On with the Countdown"--

THE DIRTY DOZEN:

1) Alabama (2-0) Yup, they took care of business, but had to work...hard for it. If the champ plays defense like this, the SEC may get confused for the Big 12 before the season ends. Cupcake week this week for the Tide. (This Week: vs. Colorado St. Our Pick: 31, Colorado St. 17)

2) Oregon (3-0) So, the Ducks are already being talked about as being a title team. Haven't we heard this before? Though in all seriousness, Tennessee barely made them sweat. That won't change for awhile. Unless they choke like all Pac-12 teams do. (This Week: vs. Cal. Our Pick: Oregon 51, Cal 23)

3) Clemson (2-0) Conference play. Conference Play. If it's Thursday night, it must be ACC Football. Rest has been needed. It gets tougher from here. This won't be the week they lose an ACC Game. (This Week: Clemson 37, NC State 20)

4) Ohio St. (3-0) Ok, so this Kenny Guiton guy is pretty good. And he's the backup. The starter, Braxton Miller is supposedly ready to play again. And he's pretty good too. But how good is the rest of the team? Jury is still out. Cupcake alert. (This Week: vs. Florida A&M. Our Pick: tOSU 43, FAMU 10)

5) Stanford (2-0). So, the Cardinal haven't exactly lit things up this year, have they...Sure, they beat Army, but not without struggling, that will need to change if they want' to be successful. Quickly. (This Week: vs. Arizona St. Our Pick: Stanford 31, ASU 21)

6) Louisville (3-0). It's good to be Teddy Bridgewater right now, isn't it? He's really good, the team is decent, but geez, who do they play? All that's missing is a game with Western Kentucky and they can be the kings of the Bluegrass state, but in football, what does that get you? (This Week: vs. Florida Int. Our Pick: Teddy B's 35, FIU 10)

7) Florida St. (3-0) Hey, lookie here, they put up 62 vs. Nevada.......so. Jamies Winston, a freshman. Well, he's 40-45 throwing the ball. Pretty good. But much like Louisville, they haven't exactly played anyone yet. And won't til they see Clemson. (This Week: vs. Bethune Cookman. Our Pick: FSU 40-45, BCC 13)

8) LSU (3-0). 



Folks. We give you Les Miles. Nothing else to say. (This Week: vs. Auburn. Our Pick: LSU 23, Auburn 18)

9) Texas A&M (2-1) Ok. Admit it. Even though they lost, Texas A&M was pretty impressive. And as good as Johnny Football is, if he keeps running like he is, he's gonna get hurt. Yeah, I said it. Schedule sets up well for the Aggies though from here. (This Week: vs. SMU. Our Pick: Aggies 37, SMU 20)

10) Georgia (1-1) If any college team needed the week off last week, it was these guys. And you can argue they are getting 2 weeks even though they play on Saturday. UGA and Bama look eeerily similar this early in the season. We'll see if that holds. (This Week: vs. N.Texas. Really? Our Pick: UGA 43, N.Texas 13)

11) UCLA (2-0) Props to the Bruins and Jimmy Mora for the big win at Nebraska. This is arguably our darkhorse team of the season. Love us some Brett Hundley. How well did he adjust in the second half of the Nebraska game? Wow. (This Week: vs. New Mexico St. Our Pick: UCLA 33, NMSt. 21)

12) Miami (2-0) Flying under the radar. This makes 3. Yes...3, ACC teams in our top 12. Though we don't see any scenario where that will hold. But it's all good...for now. (This Week: vs. Savannah St. Our Pick: Miami 90, Savannah St. 3) 

THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL:



5) Memphis (0-2) All we can think of is this...



Being bad and being good at it. Say no more. (This Week: vs. Arkansas St. Our Pick: Ark St. 41, Memphis 20)

4) Texas (1-2). Just because we've looked forward to putting them on this list for a long, long time. haha! How does it feel now! It's not going to get any easier. (This Week: vs. Kansas St. Our Pick: K-State 27, Texas 26)

3) UMass (0-3)



3 Games, 3 TD's. Keep it up boys! (This Week: vs. Vanderbilt. Our Pick: Vandy 37, UMass 7)

2) Georgia St. (0-3) Sorry guys. You are outclassed. Buy a large, large margin. Though we are impressed you only gave up 41 to W.Virginia. Way to keep it close! (This Week: vs. Jacksonville St. Our Pick: J-State 31, Ga State 13)

1) Southern Miss (0-3) So, Arkansas didn't dismember you. You've got that going for you. 2-years here, you are the defending champs. Do something about it! Please. (This Week: BYE. Our Pick: BYE 34, Southern Miss 10)

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.

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:

The NCAA Bails Out of the Jersey Selling Business: Thank Jay Bilas

Oh, this is rich.

On the heels of the Johnny Manziel pay-for-sign scandal, a strong "below-the-radar" discussion has been brewing.

That discussion: How can the NCAA which profits off the sale of jersey's with College Players names on them, penalize athletes for the sale of signed jersey's of there own.

Or to put it another way. It's been okay for the NCAA to make money at the players expense, but the players never see a penny of it.

Or yet another argument: The NCAA bowed down in a Twitter war.

The NCAA is in the midst of some serious legal challenges, primarily from a group of former and current athletes who are challenging the premise that they can't profit from anything with their likeness, but the NCAA can.

And on Thursday, the NCAA continued their acts of contrition. President Mark Emmert admitting that; "We are going to exit that kind of business immediately. I certainly understand how people can see that as hypocritical".

Ya think?  

Go to http://t.co/qpH4tNnIpH, type in "Manziel" in upper right search box, hit enter. This comes up. pic.twitter.com/N7KNvXIu24
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) August 6, 2013

This discussion got brought to the forefront, due in large part to a series of Tweets on Monday by

NCAA basketball analyst Jay Bilas.

Bilas tweeted out several images from the "ShopNCAASports.com" website, all containing jerseys with Johnny Manziel's name on them.

He also Tweeted this:

Go to http://t.co/qpH4tNnIpH and type "NCAA Executive Committee" in upper right search box, hit enter. This comes up. pic.twitter.com/7mwaNKO3TA
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) August 6, 2013

Read this SI.com article, which will explain a lot RIGHT HERE

Folks. Don't kid yourselves. There's been a lot of discussion over the past few weeks that the "Power Conferences" are going to break off and form their own group. The reason given is they want more control over the inconsistent NCAA rules enforcement. And they want to give their players a stipend, something the smaller Division I schools can't afford.

And we agree with some of that.

But. That is decidedly NOT the reason the split is likely to happen in January. No. The reason is two-fold.

(1) TV Money: The power conferences realize if they form their own league and play each other all the time, they stand to make a fortune. And not a small fortune. TV (ESPN, FOX Sports and others) will kill for those rights. And those of you who don't support a school in a power conference. Well, there's always regional sports nets.

(2) Lawsuit protection: The NCAA is petrified they are going to lose the suit brought on by former UCLA basketball player Ed O'Bannon and a slew of others. And trust us, they are going to lose. And it will cost them a LOT of money.

So don't kid yourselves, the NCAA didn't all of a sudden have this "revelation" they shouldn't be profiting off of kids who can't profit for themselves. No, they are trying to protect themselves for the soon to come end of a long, lengthy and what is likely to be costly lawsuit.

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))