Broker Reportedly Paid Johnny Manziel $7,500 to Sign Autographs

According to a story released by ESPN on Tuesday, an autograph broker claims to have paid Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel $7,500 to sign around 300 helmets (mini and full-sized). The broker tried shopping two cell phone videos around before eventually showing them to Joe Schad.

The report states that Manziel was unaware he was being recorded during the nine minute video but no money was shown exchanging hands.

On the videos, which the broker said were recorded without Manziel's knowledge, ESPN heard Manziel say "you never did a signing with me" and that if the broker were to tell anyone, he would refuse to deal with him again in the future. Manziel, who appeared comfortable throughout the video recordings, also said if asked, he would say he had simply been approached by various autograph seekers.

 

At one point, ESPN heard a broker ask Manziel if he would take additional cash to sign with special inscriptions, but Manziel declined, indicating he had done that before and it led to questions. The video does not show Manziel accepting cash, which the broker alleges happened three times. The broker told ESPN that Manziel said he wanted money for new rims for his vehicle.

 

This news is completely separate from the original Outside the Lines report that the NCAA was looking into whether autograph broker Drew Tieman compensated Johnny Manziel for signing autographs in South Florida during the week of the BCS National Championship Game.

It remains to be seen whether Manziel will miss any game time this season because the allegations are just that unless payment can be proven.