The controversy surrounding Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, who reportedly signed more than 4,000 autographs for money in violation of NCAA rules, has prompted plenty of scrutiny regarding an unfair system that allows everyone connected to college football to get paid -- except the players.
But 1998 Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams views the situation a bit more pragmatically. Manziel, in Williams’ assessment, knew or should have known that he’d become a target after winning the Heisman Trophy as a redshirt freshman.
“You know that once you win the Heisman Trophy, there’s going to be more attention on you,” Williams told KEYE-TV earlier this week. “And so you’re probably not going to be able to get away with all the stuff you got away with before.”
That didn’t stop Manziel from reportedly participating in at least six autograph sessions for memorabilia brokers.
Williams, who played college football at the University of Texas and voted for Manti Te’o not Manziel in 2012 balloting, also suggested that further digging regarding Manziel would result in more negative information about him.
“And to the media I would say, if the media did their research on who this kid was, no one would be surprised,” Williams said.
Depending on the zeal with which the NCAA investigates the situation and/or the amount of common sense college football’s governing body applies, no one will be surprised if Manziel never plays college football again.
Then again, no one will be surprised if Manziel ultimately resolves the situation with a two-game suspension that allows him to return in time for this year’s Game of the Century, between Alabama and Texas A&M.