COLLEGE STATION – Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel was paid $7,500 for signing about 300 mini- and full-sized helmets, an East Coast autograph broker told ESPN on Tuesday afternoon.
According to reporter Joe Schad, the broker played two cell phone videos for ESPN showing Manziel signing helmets and footballs spread out on a hotel room bed. The video does not show Manziel accepting money, however. The alleged transaction took place at the Walter Camp Football Foundation event, in New Haven, Conn., on Jan. 11-12.
According to the ESPN.com posting: “The broker said the videos, approximately nine minutes in length in total, were initially shot only to be used as proof with authenticating company PSA/DNA.
“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.”
Chris Elsberry sat down with Johnny Manziel when he was in town for the event. Read his column here.
For ESPN’s full story click here.