Autographs are becoming all the controversy lately in college football. In recent years, college athletes have become the equivalent of local celebrities. Students kiss the ground they walk on, request photos or autographs when they spot players on campus. However, per NCAA rules, if the players are not doing these things for free, they are in trouble.
The latest player finding themselves in hot water over some autographs is Southern California wide receiver Marqise Lee. The university had received an inquiry that associated Lee with several autograph signings in Miami. Lee had signed memorabilia for someone claiming to be a fan and collector. The memorabilia was then sold online. Naturally, the NCAA jumped to it with an investigation.
Dave Rovers, USC's vice president for athletic compliance announced that Lee was cleared of any wrong doing and had not broken an NCAA rules. He added that USC was "in the process of sending a cease-and-desist letter to the individual demanding that he stop selling any photos signed by Lee."
Lee said in a statement that he "believed that the individual who asked me to sign the photos was a fan and collector. I did not ask to be paid, I was not offered anything, I did not get anything and I did not authorize my autographs to be sold."
The same situation is playing out for Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. The Heisman winner reportedly accepted $7,500 from a broker for signing 300 mini- and full-sized helmets while attending the Walker Camp Football Foundation event. The broker then called ESPN, playing two different cellphone videos showing Manziel signing the memorabilia. The video does not show Manziel accepting the cash in question.
The NCAA is currently investigating this situation. No witness has come forth saying they saw the quarterback accepting any kind of money. In the video, the broker can be heard asking Manziel if he wanted additional money, in which Manziel declined but said, "You never did a signing with me." He can be heard telling the broker not to tell anyone or he would refuse any future signings.
If Manziel did in fact violate any NCAA rules, he could be ruled ineligible for the upcoming football season. At this moment, he is continuing to practice like normal until a ruling is determined. Lee never missed any practice time while being investigated. CBSSPorts.com is also investigating helmets signed by South Carolina star Jadeveon Clowney. South Carolina's compliance office said they are aware of the situation, but do not believe any rules were violated.
