Johnny Manziel received a mild half-game suspension in connection with the autograph scandal that has haunted him all summer. The NCAA was unable to find any conclusive evidence that Manziel took money for autographs, despite allegations from one of the dealers involved that he paid Manziel $7,500.
ESPN reports:
Johnny Football will start the season on the bench, but he won’t be there for long.
Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel of No. 7 Texas A&M has been suspended for the first half of Saturday’s season opener against the Rice Owls, A&M and the NCAA announced Wednesday in a joint statement…
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.
“If additional information comes to light, the NCAA will review and consider if further action is appropriate,” the NCAA said in the joint statement.
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