Former Texas A&M and current Cleveland Browns QB Johnny Manziel wants Georgia RB Todd Gurley to be able to profit off his likeness.
Manziel, who was embroiled in a similar autograph controversy in 2013, first tweeted his support for Gurley on Friday, Manziel's first tweet since September 27.
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) October 10, 2014 Manziel was investigated in 2013 by the NCAA after he was alleged to have profited off his likeness. The NCAA was unable to prove that Manziel made money signing autographs and he was given a half-game suspension for Texas A&M's first game of the season.
Gurley is suspended for reportedly taking money for his autograph. Someone reportedly told Georgia's compliance office this week that Gurley had been paid $400 for autographs and an autograph dealer emailed multiple outlets before last week saying that he had paid Gurley to sign items.
Friday afternoon, a report emerged that Gurley could miss the rest of the season.
After practice, Manziel expounded on his support for Gurley. Autograph brokers also claimed that Manziel had been compensated for his autograph.
Manziel on Gurley: "He's built an image for himself. He's built somewhat of a brand. I feel he should be able to capitalize off it."
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 10, 2014
Manziel on being an SEC star trying to navigate autograph world: "Everybody can look like they run a memorabilia shop. It’s crazy."
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 10, 2014 We agree with Manziel; college athletes should be able to profit off their likenesses. However, we can't defend Gurley if he did take money for his signature. Even if the rule is dumb, it's still in place and can be enforced. Players should know better than to break it, especially because it can hurt not only themselves, but their teammates when suspensions are handed down.
Georgia plays at Missouri Saturday.
For more Georgia news, visit UGASports.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Johnny Manziel believes that Todd Gurley should be able to profit off his likeness
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