ESPN: NCAA Investigating Johnny Football

ESPN is quoting two sources who say Johnathon Manziel is being investigated for accepting "a five-figure flat fee" for signing memorabilia during a Miami trip to attend the BCS title game. Alledgedly, known autograph broker Drew Tieman approached Manziel in the airport after his landing. Manziel and his assistant Nathan Fitch then visited Tieman's apartment, where they signed hundreds of items, and one source says he returned after the title game and signed hundreds more. Reportedly, the NCAA already talked to Tieman about Manziel-signed items on e-Bay. While Paul Manziel has claimed many items as false, two well-known autograph verifiers have authenticated many items, including a set of 999 photos numbered sequentially, usually done for items marked for wholesale.
If Manziel (or any family member or representative) takes money for his autographs, that is a violation of NCAA Bylaw 12.5.2.1 ("accepting money for promoting or advertising the commercial sale of a product or service"), which by rule would make Manziel ineligible to play.
Recently, independent merchandiser Aggieland Outfitters auctioned six helmets signed by Heisman winners Manziel and John David Crow for $81,000. The 12th Man Foundation, Texas A&M's booster organization, sold a dinner for six with Manziel and Crow for $20,000. By NCAA rule, both transactions are legal.
Read more at ESPN.com.