Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel will be suspended for half a game, according to TexAgs.com. The QB will sit out half of Texas A&M’s opener against Rice on Saturday.
Texas A&M hasn’t confirmed the suspension yet, but this may be the conclusion of the NCAA’s investigation into allegations that Manziel accepted money for autographs.
Sunday, Manziel spent close to six hours meeting with NCAA investigators, where he denied taking payment for signing autographs. According to reports, the NCAA’s inquiry was mainly focused on Manziel’s financial records.
Coach Kevin Sumlin, who was instructed by Texas A&M not to speak about Manziel’s case, spoke on how the football player dealt with off-field distractions.
“Johnny’s handled it very well,” Sumlin said. “Everything around football, he’s been extremely sharp and focused.”
“I know he likes to play football,” Sumlin said. “I think the structure that he has had since Aug. 4 has been nothing but helpful.”
In Manziel’s absence, the team will play either junior Matt Joeckel or freshman Kenny Hill.
“We’ve got a really solid offensive line which takes a little bit of the pressure off Matt and Kenny,” Sumlin said. “When Johnny’s taking snaps, when he’s in there, he’s really trying to help the perimeter guys. Our offensive line gives us an opportunity to rotate those quarterbacks and have them be successful.”