In the midst of even more problems surrounding Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M has hired the law firm that was able to keep former Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton eligible during his NCAA investigation while at Auburn in 2010.
Lightfoot, Franklin and White is the Birmingham-based law firm that the school hired in an attempt to help keep their star quarterback eligible throughout the 2013 football season.
The move has been made by the school after the recent reports over the past few days indicated that Manziel is being linked to allegations of having received cash payments for autograph signings that took place in January during the National Championship game. If these allegations are proven true, it is almost certain that Manziel would be ineligible.
Manziel has been the constant talk of the sports world with his antics throughout the offseason, and while most of it has been harmless and not against NCAA rules, this is the first serious infraction he has allegedly committed.
While the situations are different, Manziel’s and Newton’s cases were both based around the players receiving cash benefits for services. Newton and his family were allegedly soliciting payment from the schools recruiting Newton out of junior college. He was never forced to sit out any games due to his allegations and only played one season at Auburn, so the story fizzled out.
If there is anything Manziel has going in him for this, it is the NCAA’s recent track record in taking an exceptionally long time to make a verdict on their cases. If this continues, Manziel could possibly leave school after next season before seeing any punishment.
Erik Sargent is a college football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Erik_Sargent, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
