Wednesday morning it was revealed that the same dealer that was selling Johnny Manziel autographs on Ebay also has memorabilia signed by Louisville Cardinals star quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. This could be the NCAA‘s worst nightmare.
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On Wednesday, Busted Coverage posted photos of Bridgewater-signed footballs and helmets that are for sale on eBay. While many thought it might have been Manziel acting alone, it now appears like this dealer might have been able to convince several high-profile college stars to sign autographs for him.
The million-dollar question becomes: Is there any proof that these athletes were paid for their signatures? If so, it is a certainty they will be suspended for part of the 2013 season, if not all of it.
Bridgewater is perhaps the best quarterback prospect expected to enter the NFL Draft next year and has been the leader of the Cardinals’ recent resurgence. Last year, he threw for over 3,700 yards and 27 touchdowns and led the Cardinals to a huge upset victory over the Florida Gators in the Sugar Bowl.
With many of Bridgewater’s top receiving targets returning in 2013, the Cardinals have become a trendy pick to end up in the national championship game. Those feelings were further cemented when troubled running back Michael Dyer recently announced he would play for Louisville this season.
Without Bridgewater, those hopes are completely dashed. Their entire offense is built around his prodigious talents, and without him at the helm, they’ll be solid, but not a national contender.
There is still a lot to be learned about this scandal, but if Bridgewater’s involved, it will not only be a huge blow to the Cardinals, but to all of college football.
B.L. is a college football writer for Rant Sports and can be followed on Twitter @coachlip or on Google.
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