Lawyer: Manziel Could Play Before Inquiry is Done

EL PASO (AP) — The attorney for Johnny Manziel says even if the NCAA investigation of the Heisman Trophy winner isn’t completed by the start of the season the quarterback should be able to play in Texas A and M’s first game. Jim Darnell, Manziel’s El Paso, Texas-based attorney, (pictured) says he has met with Manziel and his family, but provided few details about the status or nature of the investigation.

He did say he believed that Manziel would play August 31st when the Aggies open the season against Rice, but could not put a timetable on the case. ESPN has reported the NCAA is investigating Manziel for receiving payment for signing autographs, a violation of amateurism rules that could put his eligibility in question for the coming season.