Dez Bryant was at one point a dark horse to win the Heisman Trophy while playing for Oklahoma State. He is also familiar with what it feels like to have the NCAA leaning over player's shoulder, watching their every move. Now with the Dallas Cowboys, it is not surprising that Bryant is speaking out in support of Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel as he undergoes an investigation of his own.
Manziel is currently being investigated for a few alleged autograph sessions he held while reportedly accepting money in return. The autographs were later sold. Per NCAA rule, this is not ok and could lead to Manziel being suspended for the entire season. Bryant calls the entire thing unfair and hopes the quarterback is able to play.
"Hell yeah, I'll be mad," Bryant said via the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram. "I will be mad. But I don't want him to get suspended. I will be mad more at the NCAA on how they do things. I just feel like it's not fair. This is something I have no problem talking about because I feel like somebody needs to say something to him and let it be known how they treat people is not right."
Bryant is no stranger to investigations. While at Oklahoma State, he was declared ineligible by the NCAA for failing to disclose an interaction he had with Deion Sanders. The two worked out and ate lunch together during an offseason, something Bryant denied to investigators. That is what ultimately led to his indefinite suspension.
Bryant said he cannot compare his situation with Manziel's. The wide receiver notes that Manziel's status is different since he is a Heisman winner and the media treats him differently than they did with Bryant.
Bryant knows his NCAA history. He also brought up the fact that Terrelle Pryor was suspended after he accepted benefits for memorabilia. Bryant puts all the blame on the NCAA, claiming they only care about television ratings and not the players themselves.
"I feel like players in the NCAA should [be allowed to make money on endorsements and autograph signings]," Bryant said. "Those fans are coming to watch them and support them. Whenever you're in college, it's different. You don't get paid like the NFL gets paid. I think it would be OK to have a little money in your pocket."
Bryant remains hopeful that Manziel will be allowed to play the season. At this point, not even a hint of a ruling has come down yet. Texas A&M is going about their season preparations like normal and will address matters only if Manziel is truly suspended.
