ESPN has been heavily covering the NCAA investigation into Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel and his alleged involvement in an autograph scandal where he supposedly accepted money. ESPN's Outside the Lines was the first to break the story of the supposed incident. Some details have emerged since the original story broke, but no ruling has been given. As the investigation continues, officials at Texas A&M remain positive their Heisman winner is innocent.
Texas A&M System chancellor John Sharp spoke to KBTX at College Station and addressed the ongoing investigation. Manziel has not spoken to the media during the entire thing, but Sharp is speaking out on his behalf. Sharp was adamant that Manziel was innocent of everything ESPN has accused him of.
Sharp is slamming the sports network for their coverage on Manziel and feeding off his popularity for television ratings. Sharp said the school has had a very open dialogue with the NCAA and ESPN is declaring Manziel guilty before any ruling has been given.
"Darren Rovell of ESPN, who broke this story, has been duped before," Sharp wrote in a statement. "During his report on Johnny Manziel, he cites unnamed sources who refuse to provide an interview or any tangible proof. In fact, his "named source," Drew Tieman (initially referred to as the broker), was reportedly booked twice for possession of marijuana and placed on four years probation. He has taken down his Facebook page, changed his telephone number and is refusing attempts to be interviewed by the NCAA. It is surprising that the nation's largest sports channel would support publication with this lack of corroboration. I look forward to the start of this football season and am confident that we'll once again exceed expectations during our second season in the SEC."
ESPN continues to report that Manziel took part in six signings for three different brokers. He signed memorabilia and accepted benefits from the brokers. The first story ran on Aug. 4 right before the Aggies held a media day in College Station. The season for Texas A&M will kick off on Aug. 31 at noon against Rice. There has been speculation about whether or not Manziel will play. He has taken part in every practice so far this season.
