Before Johnny Manziel has even responded to allegations of improper benefits in Miami, there's new evidence that the Heisman Trophy winner was paid thousands of dollars to autograph sports memorabilia in Connecticut.
Citing a nine-minute video of Manziel signing helmets and footballs, ESPN reports that the Texas A&M sophomore quarterback was paid $7,500 for an East Coast autograph session that occurred January 11-12 as Manziel attended an event for the Walter Camp Football Foundation.
The broker, who taped the star quarterback without his knowledge, told ESPN that Manziel planned to use the $7,500 to put new rims on his black Mercedes-Benz.
He's previously been accused of accepting $10,000 for autographing hundreds of items while in Miami for the BCS National Championship.
In the video, Manziel allegedly tells the autograph broker, "You never did a signing with me," and threatens to cut him off from future sessions if he spoke of their meeting. Manziel displays a disturbing level of savvy in his dealings with the broker, refusing to use special inscriptions as it might raise suspicions.
The broker, who taped the star quarterback without his knowledge, told ESPN that Manziel planned to use the $7,500 to put new rims on his black Mercedes-Benz.
If the allegations are true, Manziel would be in violation of NCAA bylaws that prevent athletes from accepting money for their services related to sports or advertising, whether they are on the field or off. With Manziel's high profile, many are wondering if the NCAA would look to make an example out of its brash young star with a lengthy suspension.
USA Today reports that Texas A&M has hired the law firm Lightfoot, Franklin and White to handle Manziel's inevitable legal battle to play this season. Lightfoot has proven adept at navigating NCAA investigations. In 2010, the firm helped another Heisman Trophy winner — Auburn's Cam Newton — stay eligible for football season.
Johnny Manziel is accused of selling his autograph on two separate occasions.
One of the weekend's major talking points was the addition of the new Paddock Hospitality track at the top of Turn 1. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Although he is not in contention for a repeat championship, Lando Norris remains a crowd favorite. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Kimi Antonelli led from the start, never losing placement as he claimed his ninth win of the season. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
It was hard to get a moment with Paddock star the Ferrari Pope, who posed for pictures all weekend. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Kimi Antonelli greeted the Grandstand before boarding the trailer ahead of the Driver's Parade on Sunday. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Lily Zneimer stopped for a quick portrait before heading into the McLaren garage to support her boyfriend, driver Oscar Piastri.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Michael Dell made their way to the McLaren garage just before the qualifying round on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
It takes a well-oiled machine of a team to win races. No drama, just fist bumps and good communication. Oh, and a fast car.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
COTA's new attraction is the theme park, aptly named COTALand. Clearly, the jury remains out on the spectacle. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
It's not uncommon to see fans lined up outside of the Paddock as they wait for their favorite drivers and teams to head out for the day. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Last year's US Grand Prix winner, Max Verstappen, finished third this year after starting second on the grid. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Alpine's pit crew got their warm-ups done shortly before race start on Sunday. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
"All we talk about are tires and batteries in this sport. (They're the) stars of the show," said Nic Cameron of Leeds, New York. Mercedes engineers stacked used tires from the qualifying session to send off for analysis.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Interior designer and Miss Jamaica Universe 1994 Angelie Spencer was on site to support her favorite team, Ferrari. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Having Cadillac driver and fan favorite Checo Perez back on the grid has been great for the US Grand Prix, as thousands of Mexicans come to Austin to watch their countryman race. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
It's no surprise who fashion influencer Aimee Kelly supports.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Although Antonelli took home the winner’s trophy, he did not clinch the driver’s championship as some had hoped. He needed teammate George Russell to fall to 9th and ex-Mercedes world champion Lewis Hamilton to finish in 5th. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
The Mercedes garage was full of adrenaline as they waited for Antonelli to arrive at parc fermé and take the traditional plunge into the hands of his crew.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
The championship is all but Antonelli’s, with one hand firmly on the grip of the trophy. He is expected to complete his first-ever world championship this weekend in Mexico.Photo by Daniel Cavazos