Law Could be Trouble for Brokers in Manziel Case

COLLEGE STATION (AP) � If Johnny Manziel did violate NCAA rules by receiving money for signing autographs, a Texas law could put the people who allegedly paid him at risk of being sued by Texas A and M University. Christian Dennie, an attorney with Barlow Garsek and Simon in Fort Worth, says the state of Texas passed legislation in 1987 to make “a person who violates a rule of a national collegiate athletic association … liable for damages in an action brought by an institution.” The law was passed the same year Dallas-based Southern Methodist University’s football program was banned for a season by the NCAA.

To be liable, the person must have known or reasonably should have known a rule was violated and the violation must lead to disciplinary action against the student or institution.” Manziel, who is from Tyler, is being investigated by the NCAA. ESPN has reported it’s for receiving payment from memorabilia brokers after signing autographs.