ESPN: NCAA investigating whether Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel was paid for signing autographs

BRISTOL, Conn. – ESPN says the NCAA is investigating whether Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel was paid for signing hundreds of autographs in January.

Citing unidentified sources, ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” said the Heisman Trophy winner signed items in exchange for a five-figure fee during his trip to Miami for the BCS championship game.

ESPN said sources told “Outside the Lines” that Manziel signed photographs, footballs, mini football helmets and other items at the request of autograph broker Drew Tieman.

ESPN reported that a source said James Garland, the NCAA’s assistant director of enforcement, contacted Tieman and at least one person associated with the signings in June.

“We cannot comment on current, pending or potential investigations,” NCAA spokeswoman Emily Potter told The Associated Press in an email statement Sunday night.

Texas A&M also declined to comment.

“It is Texas A&M’s long-standing practice not to respond to such questions concerning specific student-athletes,” the school said in an email statement to the AP.