1 00:00:08,400 --> 00:00:11,719 Speaker 1: Welcome back to Playing Dirty Sports Scandals, the show where 2 00:00:11,760 --> 00:00:14,600 Speaker 1: you get to spend time with me, Jay Harris. I've 3 00:00:14,600 --> 00:00:17,799 Speaker 1: had a sportscasting career spanning two decades at ESPN, but 4 00:00:17,880 --> 00:00:20,919 Speaker 1: on this show, I'm all about connecting deeply with some 5 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:25,320 Speaker 1: of the most disturbing aspects of humankind, serving up tales 6 00:00:25,520 --> 00:00:39,160 Speaker 1: from the dark side of sports. Do you hear that? 7 00:00:39,159 --> 00:00:43,040 Speaker 1: That's the sound of a lot of different ingredients grinding together. 8 00:00:43,720 --> 00:00:50,200 Speaker 1: Young fame, erraticism, substance abuse, aggression, you name it, because 9 00:00:50,200 --> 00:00:54,200 Speaker 1: today we're diving into the complex blend that is the 10 00:00:54,280 --> 00:01:00,920 Speaker 1: Johnny Manziel story. Johnny Manziel's life began Eyler, Texas, on 11 00:01:00,960 --> 00:01:04,080 Speaker 1: December sixth, nineteen ninety two, where he was born into 12 00:01:04,080 --> 00:01:08,720 Speaker 1: a family with a reputation. Johnny's great grandfather, Bobby Joe Manziel, 13 00:01:09,080 --> 00:01:11,399 Speaker 1: had put the family on the map in Texas by 14 00:01:11,440 --> 00:01:15,880 Speaker 1: discovering oil in nineteen thirty. According to my San Antonio 15 00:01:16,040 --> 00:01:19,920 Speaker 1: dot Com, Bobby Joe was abandonmweight boxer born in Lebanon 16 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:24,080 Speaker 1: who sparred and became friends with heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey. 17 00:01:24,200 --> 00:01:26,960 Speaker 1: It was with the help of his famous boxing pal 18 00:01:27,440 --> 00:01:31,319 Speaker 1: that Bobby Joe managed to finance the exorbitant startup costs 19 00:01:31,360 --> 00:01:35,520 Speaker 1: of drilling. Proceeds from the oil secured Bobby Joe Manziel's 20 00:01:35,560 --> 00:01:39,760 Speaker 1: financial future and his local legacy was further enshrined when 21 00:01:39,800 --> 00:01:42,160 Speaker 1: he went on to grace the gridiron for the Georgia 22 00:01:42,200 --> 00:01:46,160 Speaker 1: Bulldogs in the nineteen forties. It seemed like future Menziell's 23 00:01:46,200 --> 00:01:49,240 Speaker 1: would be born under a lucky star after Bobby Joe's 24 00:01:49,240 --> 00:01:52,280 Speaker 1: big wins, buoyed by a flow of black gold and 25 00:01:52,440 --> 00:01:57,560 Speaker 1: natural athleticism. Two generations later, Johnny's father, Paul picked up 26 00:01:57,560 --> 00:02:01,000 Speaker 1: the Manziel family baton and ran with it. Like his 27 00:02:01,080 --> 00:02:06,080 Speaker 1: renowned grandfather Bobby Joe, Paul Manziel was entrepreneurial. He married 28 00:02:06,200 --> 00:02:11,399 Speaker 1: Michelle Liberato, who was equally tenacious. After initially meeting as bartenders, 29 00:02:11,840 --> 00:02:15,840 Speaker 1: Paul and Michelle made an unstoppable business team with interests 30 00:02:15,840 --> 00:02:19,119 Speaker 1: in real estate and car sales. Together they worked hard 31 00:02:19,200 --> 00:02:21,360 Speaker 1: to a mass of fortune in their own rights and 32 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:24,640 Speaker 1: were delighted to welcome their son Johnny and daughter Mary 33 00:02:24,720 --> 00:02:28,639 Speaker 1: into their successful life. But being a Manzielle wasn't all 34 00:02:28,680 --> 00:02:31,639 Speaker 1: fun and games. Being a part of this family came 35 00:02:31,680 --> 00:02:36,560 Speaker 1: with some serious responsibility. When Johnny was born on December sixth, 36 00:02:36,560 --> 00:02:40,040 Speaker 1: the very same birthday as his ambitious father. His entrance 37 00:02:40,120 --> 00:02:43,120 Speaker 1: into the world didn't come with a free ride. He 38 00:02:43,240 --> 00:02:46,040 Speaker 1: was expected to make something of himself, just as his 39 00:02:46,160 --> 00:02:50,480 Speaker 1: great grandfather and father had done. We have the same mannerisms, 40 00:02:50,520 --> 00:02:54,080 Speaker 1: the same birthdays. He's me made over pretty much, Paul 41 00:02:54,120 --> 00:02:58,720 Speaker 1: Manzel shared in the Netflix documentary Untold Johnny Football. Paul 42 00:02:58,760 --> 00:03:01,720 Speaker 1: admitted that discipline in the Manziel family came through me, 43 00:03:02,440 --> 00:03:05,440 Speaker 1: and that discipline well dished out with love and never 44 00:03:05,520 --> 00:03:09,680 Speaker 1: through physical punishment, was the benchmark of Manziell's family life. 45 00:03:09,800 --> 00:03:12,520 Speaker 1: Johnny and his sister Mary were expected to toe the 46 00:03:12,560 --> 00:03:14,760 Speaker 1: line and not to go the way of others in 47 00:03:14,840 --> 00:03:18,680 Speaker 1: the Manziell family line who relished in bad behavior financed 48 00:03:18,760 --> 00:03:24,679 Speaker 1: by their great grandfather's good fortune. Some of the Manziell's gambled, 49 00:03:24,960 --> 00:03:28,080 Speaker 1: enjoyed cockfighting and even ran into trouble with the law. 50 00:03:28,760 --> 00:03:32,320 Speaker 1: Johnny's father, Paul made clear that those behaviors wouldn't be 51 00:03:32,360 --> 00:03:36,320 Speaker 1: acceptable for his children, and Johnny's mother, Michelle, was so 52 00:03:36,440 --> 00:03:40,000 Speaker 1: determined for her children to avoid those pitfalls that she 53 00:03:40,160 --> 00:03:43,560 Speaker 1: moved her young family out of Tyler, Texas and over 54 00:03:43,600 --> 00:03:47,720 Speaker 1: to Kerrville. Texas, where their family name wasn't as well known. 55 00:03:48,720 --> 00:03:52,480 Speaker 1: Michelle later explained to her son's biographer, John Katzowitz, that 56 00:03:52,560 --> 00:03:56,440 Speaker 1: people prejudged us In Tyler. People would know me and 57 00:03:56,640 --> 00:03:59,080 Speaker 1: I had never met them before in my life. I 58 00:03:59,240 --> 00:04:01,920 Speaker 1: hated that. I didn't want my kids to ever be 59 00:04:01,960 --> 00:04:05,920 Speaker 1: affected by it. The move to Kerrville initially seemed to 60 00:04:05,960 --> 00:04:09,360 Speaker 1: pay off in spades, as Paula Michelle proudly watched their 61 00:04:09,400 --> 00:04:12,600 Speaker 1: son thrive at Tybee High School, where he achieved folk 62 00:04:12,640 --> 00:04:17,159 Speaker 1: hero status for athleticism. Johnny Manziel played football and baseball, 63 00:04:17,279 --> 00:04:20,400 Speaker 1: and even had notable talent on the golf course. His 64 00:04:20,480 --> 00:04:23,880 Speaker 1: handicap was an impressive eight to ten. This is a 65 00:04:23,880 --> 00:04:27,200 Speaker 1: remarkable stat for someone with very little time to practice 66 00:04:27,240 --> 00:04:31,960 Speaker 1: the notoriously tricky game. As his high school's sports career progressed, 67 00:04:32,279 --> 00:04:35,680 Speaker 1: Johnny realized that he'd have to pick a focus baseball 68 00:04:35,800 --> 00:04:39,680 Speaker 1: or football. He chose the latter, where his exceptional talent 69 00:04:39,880 --> 00:04:45,159 Speaker 1: was being increasingly recognized. Initially making the varsity football team 70 00:04:45,200 --> 00:04:48,320 Speaker 1: as a wide receiver. It wasn't until his sophomore year 71 00:04:48,320 --> 00:04:52,040 Speaker 1: that Johnny Manziel started as quarterback, and what a year 72 00:04:52,080 --> 00:04:57,040 Speaker 1: it was. Johnny threw eleven touchdowns and ran for another fifteen, 73 00:04:57,480 --> 00:05:02,160 Speaker 1: showcasing his dual threat capability. His coach, Mark Smith quickly 74 00:05:02,240 --> 00:05:06,080 Speaker 1: recognized Johnny's unique talents, noting that he was struck by 75 00:05:06,160 --> 00:05:09,480 Speaker 1: Johnny's maturity and leadership skills. He was a great kid. 76 00:05:09,560 --> 00:05:12,760 Speaker 1: Mark Smith told the Bleacher Report Scott polasect Johnny had 77 00:05:12,760 --> 00:05:16,320 Speaker 1: a caring heart, always tried to put his teammates before himself. 78 00:05:16,880 --> 00:05:20,960 Speaker 1: Was great with kids, particularly special needs kids. He went 79 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:22,919 Speaker 1: out of his way to work with the younger youth 80 00:05:23,040 --> 00:05:27,200 Speaker 1: in the Kerrville area, and Johnny's rising star had just begun. 81 00:05:27,720 --> 00:05:33,159 Speaker 1: His junior year was exceptional. He amassed fifty five touchdowns 82 00:05:33,400 --> 00:05:37,279 Speaker 1: and was named the All San Antonio Area Offensive Player 83 00:05:37,360 --> 00:05:41,880 Speaker 1: of the Year and a Texas MVP. Then senior year 84 00:05:41,960 --> 00:05:46,200 Speaker 1: came and Johnny solidified his legend. He threw for three thousand, 85 00:05:46,240 --> 00:05:48,480 Speaker 1: six hundred and nine yards with a forty four to 86 00:05:48,480 --> 00:05:52,240 Speaker 1: five touchdown to interception ratio, and rushed for an additional 87 00:05:52,279 --> 00:05:56,200 Speaker 1: one thousand, six hundred and seventy four yards, scoring thirty 88 00:05:56,200 --> 00:05:59,760 Speaker 1: times on the ground. His dynamic play helped Tye High 89 00:05:59,760 --> 00:06:04,200 Speaker 1: School cruise into the playoffs, capturing the imagination of fans 90 00:06:04,240 --> 00:06:08,200 Speaker 1: far and wide coach Mark Smith recalled the exceptional event, saying, 91 00:06:08,600 --> 00:06:11,359 Speaker 1: for our last game, people drove out here an hour 92 00:06:11,440 --> 00:06:15,440 Speaker 1: from San Antonio, people called from Houston, and eighteen came 93 00:06:15,480 --> 00:06:18,880 Speaker 1: in a couple of vehicles just to see Johnny. Even 94 00:06:18,960 --> 00:06:21,680 Speaker 1: Johnny's rivals had to admit affection for the up and 95 00:06:21,720 --> 00:06:25,560 Speaker 1: coming quarterback. Jim Strety, the head football coach at Madison 96 00:06:25,640 --> 00:06:29,200 Speaker 1: High School, a rival to Johnny's Tyvee High School, couldn't 97 00:06:29,240 --> 00:06:32,960 Speaker 1: contain how impressed he was by Johnny's playmaking even though 98 00:06:33,000 --> 00:06:35,440 Speaker 1: he was on the other side of the field. He's 99 00:06:35,480 --> 00:06:38,600 Speaker 1: the best playmaking quarterback I've seen in my years of coaching. 100 00:06:38,640 --> 00:06:42,599 Speaker 1: Streety declared, He's obviously a tremendous athlete who has that 101 00:06:42,720 --> 00:06:46,320 Speaker 1: inate ability to prolong plays and make something good out 102 00:06:46,320 --> 00:06:49,840 Speaker 1: of them. All. American running back Malcolm Brown, who played 103 00:06:49,839 --> 00:06:53,520 Speaker 1: football for Steel High School against Johnny, also shared that 104 00:06:53,600 --> 00:06:57,719 Speaker 1: his playing style was phenomenal. If you sit and watch Johnny, 105 00:06:57,800 --> 00:07:00,400 Speaker 1: you'll be in awe. He'll make you laugh if you 106 00:07:00,440 --> 00:07:03,400 Speaker 1: get to know what Malcolm said. These remarks from Johnny's 107 00:07:03,400 --> 00:07:06,920 Speaker 1: opponents highlighted not just as football skills, but also his 108 00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:12,400 Speaker 1: infectious personality, which resonated with teammates, spectators, and opponents alike. 109 00:07:15,240 --> 00:07:18,720 Speaker 1: But despite his high school heroics and football which ultimately 110 00:07:18,760 --> 00:07:21,760 Speaker 1: earned him the title of Mister Texas Football in twenty ten, 111 00:07:22,520 --> 00:07:26,400 Speaker 1: Johnny remained a three star prospect. Don't know what that means, 112 00:07:27,040 --> 00:07:29,200 Speaker 1: no worries, Let me break it down for you. In 113 00:07:29,240 --> 00:07:33,160 Speaker 1: college football, recruiting prospects are often rated on a scale 114 00:07:33,200 --> 00:07:36,760 Speaker 1: of one to five stars. A five star rating is 115 00:07:36,840 --> 00:07:40,240 Speaker 1: reserved for the most elite prospects, while a one star 116 00:07:40,360 --> 00:07:43,960 Speaker 1: rating is usually given to players who probably aren't going 117 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:47,520 Speaker 1: to play at the Division IE level. So, according to ESPN, 118 00:07:47,640 --> 00:07:50,960 Speaker 1: a three star recruit in football means that the prospect 119 00:07:51,120 --> 00:07:54,560 Speaker 1: should develop into a contributor for the team, but may 120 00:07:54,600 --> 00:07:57,040 Speaker 1: need a couple of years to develop into a starter. 121 00:07:57,760 --> 00:08:00,760 Speaker 1: In other words, it was expected that Johnny Manziel would 122 00:08:00,760 --> 00:08:03,960 Speaker 1: play at the college level, but the verdict was out 123 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:06,520 Speaker 1: as to just how big an impact he would have 124 00:08:06,600 --> 00:08:10,520 Speaker 1: on the gridiron, and so Johnny had some choices, albeit 125 00:08:10,720 --> 00:08:12,960 Speaker 1: not as many as he might have liked. As a 126 00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:16,360 Speaker 1: three star prospect when it came to college, Despite his 127 00:08:16,480 --> 00:08:20,240 Speaker 1: undeniable talent, Johnny Manziel faced some skepticism in the recruiting 128 00:08:20,280 --> 00:08:23,280 Speaker 1: process due to his lack of height and versatile playing style, 129 00:08:23,680 --> 00:08:26,200 Speaker 1: which led coaches to question his fit as a true 130 00:08:26,280 --> 00:08:29,240 Speaker 1: quarterback who could lead a college team to a winning season. 131 00:08:30,320 --> 00:08:32,520 Speaker 1: If I was six three or sixty four, I would 132 00:08:32,520 --> 00:08:36,120 Speaker 1: have had a lot more opportunities, Johnny Manziel admitted. After 133 00:08:36,160 --> 00:08:40,080 Speaker 1: initially committing to the University of Oregon, Johnny Manziel's Texas 134 00:08:40,200 --> 00:08:43,000 Speaker 1: roots got the best of him, and he ultimately decided 135 00:08:43,000 --> 00:08:46,960 Speaker 1: to attend Texas A and M. Interestingly, Johnny could have 136 00:08:47,000 --> 00:08:49,880 Speaker 1: gone to the University of Texas, his longtime favorite, to 137 00:08:49,920 --> 00:08:54,720 Speaker 1: play baseball, but his heart was set on football. Texas 138 00:08:54,760 --> 00:08:57,120 Speaker 1: A and M was over the moon that Johnny had 139 00:08:57,120 --> 00:08:59,959 Speaker 1: decided to become an Aggie, as Texas A and M 140 00:08:59,960 --> 00:09:03,800 Speaker 1: students are affectionately known, They offered not just a spot 141 00:09:03,800 --> 00:09:06,640 Speaker 1: on the team to their wily new football recruit, but 142 00:09:06,720 --> 00:09:09,280 Speaker 1: the chance for Johnny to become a centerpiece in their 143 00:09:09,320 --> 00:09:14,200 Speaker 1: offensive strategy. This opportunity was a significant factor in his decision, 144 00:09:14,520 --> 00:09:18,280 Speaker 1: as Johnny was determined to play quarterback. I put a 145 00:09:18,280 --> 00:09:20,760 Speaker 1: lot of time getting to where I am today, Johnny said, 146 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:23,280 Speaker 1: as he reflected on the hundreds of hours he worked 147 00:09:23,320 --> 00:09:26,280 Speaker 1: to hone his skills as an all around quarterback. I 148 00:09:26,360 --> 00:09:29,800 Speaker 1: play with that it factor. Drew Brees was not the 149 00:09:29,800 --> 00:09:32,840 Speaker 1: biggest guy. He's someone I look up to along with 150 00:09:32,880 --> 00:09:39,480 Speaker 1: Brett Favre. Hank Carter, one of Johnny's coaches at Tybee 151 00:09:39,559 --> 00:09:43,119 Speaker 1: High School and now the Lake Travis ISD Director of Athletics, 152 00:09:43,480 --> 00:09:47,160 Speaker 1: expressed confidence in Johnny's ability to excel at any position 153 00:09:47,240 --> 00:09:49,920 Speaker 1: as he moved on to his college career. He can 154 00:09:49,960 --> 00:09:53,240 Speaker 1: play anything he wants to play. He throws the ball well, 155 00:09:53,520 --> 00:09:55,720 Speaker 1: He's not six y four, but he's a good sized kid. 156 00:09:56,080 --> 00:09:57,920 Speaker 1: He's a heck of a lot better than most six 157 00:09:58,000 --> 00:10:01,320 Speaker 1: y five kids I've seen. Plus, Johnny was driven by 158 00:10:01,360 --> 00:10:05,480 Speaker 1: a mission beyond his athletic aspirations, which would fuel his 159 00:10:05,640 --> 00:10:08,440 Speaker 1: early work ethic. I want to be known as a 160 00:10:08,480 --> 00:10:11,440 Speaker 1: person who performed on the field, but also a good 161 00:10:11,480 --> 00:10:14,600 Speaker 1: person off the field. That Johnny Manziel said. He echoed 162 00:10:14,600 --> 00:10:18,120 Speaker 1: the sentiments of his peer running back Aaron Green, who said, 163 00:10:18,240 --> 00:10:22,240 Speaker 1: all your personal accolades collect dust, but your character is 164 00:10:22,280 --> 00:10:25,280 Speaker 1: the one thing that will be left. The fact that 165 00:10:25,360 --> 00:10:28,800 Speaker 1: Johnny Manziel was, by all accounts, such a considerate, clear 166 00:10:28,840 --> 00:10:31,400 Speaker 1: headed person as he entered his time at Texas A 167 00:10:31,440 --> 00:10:34,760 Speaker 1: and M adds a poignancy to how his journey was 168 00:10:34,880 --> 00:10:41,000 Speaker 1: destined to unfold. Okay, so here's why I tell you 169 00:10:41,040 --> 00:10:44,360 Speaker 1: all to clear your palette while you can, because we're 170 00:10:44,360 --> 00:10:47,600 Speaker 1: about to jump off the precipice into the dark side 171 00:10:47,640 --> 00:10:51,359 Speaker 1: with Johnny Manziel, who could not have foreseen the challenges 172 00:10:51,400 --> 00:10:54,160 Speaker 1: ahead as he enrolled at Texas A and M in 173 00:10:54,280 --> 00:10:57,480 Speaker 1: January of twenty eleven, eager to get a head start 174 00:10:57,600 --> 00:11:04,360 Speaker 1: on spring football practice. Now, Texas A and M tried 175 00:11:04,400 --> 00:11:06,679 Speaker 1: to do ripe by their recruit, giving them a chance 176 00:11:06,720 --> 00:11:10,600 Speaker 1: to acclimate to the rigorous demands and complexities of college football. 177 00:11:11,160 --> 00:11:14,840 Speaker 1: Head coach Kevin Sumlin gave Johnny Manziel a red shirt designation, 178 00:11:15,160 --> 00:11:18,240 Speaker 1: meaning that for as long as he was an academic freshman, 179 00:11:18,760 --> 00:11:22,200 Speaker 1: he would not actually play football. He would just practice 180 00:11:22,240 --> 00:11:24,240 Speaker 1: with the team and get the lay of the lamb. 181 00:11:24,840 --> 00:11:27,800 Speaker 1: This approach allows a player to mature, gives them an 182 00:11:27,800 --> 00:11:32,080 Speaker 1: opportunity to build relationships with their teammates, and maintains a 183 00:11:32,120 --> 00:11:35,080 Speaker 1: full four years of eligibility for them to play once 184 00:11:35,120 --> 00:11:38,880 Speaker 1: they're a sophomore. And so, Johnny Manziel debuted in the 185 00:11:38,880 --> 00:11:41,800 Speaker 1: twenty twelve season when he was an academic sophomore with 186 00:11:41,920 --> 00:11:45,520 Speaker 1: countless practice hours under his bilt. It was the Aggie's 187 00:11:45,600 --> 00:11:49,680 Speaker 1: first season in the Southeastern Conference or SEC, and the 188 00:11:49,760 --> 00:11:53,000 Speaker 1: game was against the Florida Gators. He held his own, 189 00:11:53,480 --> 00:11:58,280 Speaker 1: and just three games later Johnny had undeniably found his stride. 190 00:11:58,720 --> 00:12:02,319 Speaker 1: It was the Aggies against the Arkansas Razorbacks, and Johnny 191 00:12:02,320 --> 00:12:06,480 Speaker 1: Manziel was untouchable. He broke a forty three year old 192 00:12:06,520 --> 00:12:09,440 Speaker 1: conference record held by Archie Manning, the father of Peyton 193 00:12:09,480 --> 00:12:12,839 Speaker 1: and Eli, by rushing and passing for five hundred and 194 00:12:12,920 --> 00:12:16,480 Speaker 1: fifty seven total yards. Two games later, Johnny broke his 195 00:12:16,559 --> 00:12:20,000 Speaker 1: own astonishing new record, putting up five hundred and seventy 196 00:12:20,040 --> 00:12:23,760 Speaker 1: six yards against Louisiana Tech. But according to the Guardian, 197 00:12:23,920 --> 00:12:27,319 Speaker 1: it was really on November tenth, twenty twelve, when Texas 198 00:12:27,360 --> 00:12:30,680 Speaker 1: A and M upset the defending champions, the Alabama Crimson 199 00:12:30,720 --> 00:12:34,560 Speaker 1: Tide at their home stadium in Tuscaloosa, that it became 200 00:12:34,679 --> 00:12:40,080 Speaker 1: clear that Johnny Manziel was an absolute phenomenon. Johnny Manziel 201 00:12:40,240 --> 00:12:43,000 Speaker 1: darted past other college football records as if they were 202 00:12:43,080 --> 00:12:48,600 Speaker 1: Manty Tao's imaginary girlfriend. Reporter Michael Solomon wrote, and his 203 00:12:48,720 --> 00:12:52,240 Speaker 1: words were spot on as college football fans went crazy 204 00:12:52,240 --> 00:12:56,320 Speaker 1: for Johnny. He wasn't just Johnny Manziel anymore. Under the 205 00:12:56,360 --> 00:13:00,840 Speaker 1: bright field lights, a legend had been born. Football was 206 00:13:00,880 --> 00:13:05,120 Speaker 1: his name now. By the end of the twenty twelfth season, 207 00:13:05,160 --> 00:13:08,760 Speaker 1: the now famous Johnny Football was the first freshman and 208 00:13:08,880 --> 00:13:11,920 Speaker 1: only the fifth player in NCAA history to pass for 209 00:13:12,000 --> 00:13:15,240 Speaker 1: three thousand yards and rush for one thousand yards in 210 00:13:15,280 --> 00:13:18,840 Speaker 1: a season. In December, he was awarded the Heisman Trophy, 211 00:13:19,200 --> 00:13:22,240 Speaker 1: given to the best player in college football. It was 212 00:13:22,320 --> 00:13:25,319 Speaker 1: the first time in history that a freshman had received 213 00:13:25,360 --> 00:13:29,559 Speaker 1: the honor. At this point, you're probably thinking, what is 214 00:13:29,640 --> 00:13:32,960 Speaker 1: Jay Harris talking about foreshadowing all the dark side, doom 215 00:13:33,000 --> 00:13:35,880 Speaker 1: and gloom for this super player. Well, you know what 216 00:13:35,920 --> 00:13:41,679 Speaker 1: they say, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. 217 00:13:42,960 --> 00:13:45,360 Speaker 1: Even as Johnny was getting into the groove at Texas 218 00:13:45,360 --> 00:13:48,079 Speaker 1: A and M and soon tearing it up on the gridiron, 219 00:13:48,559 --> 00:13:51,679 Speaker 1: the cracks were beginning to show in his personal life. 220 00:13:52,080 --> 00:13:55,920 Speaker 1: In fact, even before his tremendous twenty twelve season started. 221 00:13:56,480 --> 00:13:58,880 Speaker 1: On June twenty ninth, he and US high school pal 222 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:01,640 Speaker 1: Stephen Brandt stir up trouble leaving a bar in the 223 00:14:01,679 --> 00:14:05,960 Speaker 1: Northgate section of College Station Texas. Stephen Brandt wasn't just 224 00:14:06,080 --> 00:14:09,320 Speaker 1: any friend popping in for a quick weekend visit. He 225 00:14:09,360 --> 00:14:12,720 Speaker 1: had played receiver at Tyveee High School alongside Johnny, and, 226 00:14:12,960 --> 00:14:16,200 Speaker 1: according to the Vault, had become an unofficial member of 227 00:14:16,240 --> 00:14:19,040 Speaker 1: the Manziell family after the deaths of both his parents. 228 00:14:19,760 --> 00:14:24,120 Speaker 1: The intoxicated Stephen allegedly uttered a heinous racial slur while 229 00:14:24,200 --> 00:14:27,200 Speaker 1: leaving the bar, leading to a fight and an arrest 230 00:14:27,520 --> 00:14:31,200 Speaker 1: for both himself and Johnny. When Johnny was asked for 231 00:14:31,200 --> 00:14:36,000 Speaker 1: his identification by responding officer Yargo, he produced a Louisiana 232 00:14:36,080 --> 00:14:40,480 Speaker 1: driver's license. Naturally, the fake ID listed the defendant as 233 00:14:40,560 --> 00:14:44,480 Speaker 1: age twenty one. In truth, Johnny was only twenty. A 234 00:14:44,600 --> 00:14:46,920 Speaker 1: year could make a big difference under the law, as 235 00:14:46,960 --> 00:14:50,240 Speaker 1: we all know. At this point, Sergeant Beatty looked in 236 00:14:50,320 --> 00:14:55,080 Speaker 1: Johnny's wallet and discovered two other licenses, a fake Texas 237 00:14:55,080 --> 00:15:00,880 Speaker 1: license and his real Texas license. Bustedny was too drunk 238 00:15:00,960 --> 00:15:04,200 Speaker 1: to answer the authority's questions. He just kept muttering that 239 00:15:04,280 --> 00:15:08,400 Speaker 1: he wanted a ride home and he was sorry. Johnny 240 00:15:08,480 --> 00:15:11,760 Speaker 1: was surely even sorrier when he sobered up and realized 241 00:15:11,800 --> 00:15:15,520 Speaker 1: the legal fallout from the incident. Charges were brought against 242 00:15:15,600 --> 00:15:19,640 Speaker 1: him for possessing a fake ID and disorderly conduct, and 243 00:15:19,720 --> 00:15:22,720 Speaker 1: Texas A and M initially suspended him for the entire 244 00:15:22,800 --> 00:15:26,520 Speaker 1: twenty twelve season, a penalty that nearly drove him the transfer. 245 00:15:27,200 --> 00:15:30,160 Speaker 1: It was only thanks to a heartfelt letter from coach 246 00:15:30,280 --> 00:15:33,880 Speaker 1: Kevin Sumlin, who advocated on his behalf, that Johnny was 247 00:15:33,920 --> 00:15:37,720 Speaker 1: reinstated to the Aggie's team by the dean of student life. 248 00:15:37,880 --> 00:15:40,760 Speaker 1: Johnny took responsibility for his actions that night and is 249 00:15:40,840 --> 00:15:43,440 Speaker 1: ready to put what happened that night behind him, his 250 00:15:43,480 --> 00:15:47,760 Speaker 1: attorney Cam Rental stated at the time, emphasizing Johnny's willingness 251 00:15:47,800 --> 00:15:51,640 Speaker 1: to do whatever was necessary to move forward. The charges 252 00:15:51,680 --> 00:15:54,440 Speaker 1: were dropped and Johnny was back on track at Texas 253 00:15:54,480 --> 00:15:57,680 Speaker 1: A and M. But this early incident set the stage 254 00:15:57,720 --> 00:16:05,520 Speaker 1: for tumultuous times ahead. With Johnny Football's rising fame, came 255 00:16:05,760 --> 00:16:10,840 Speaker 1: escalating pressures and expectations. Johnny's every move on and off 256 00:16:10,880 --> 00:16:14,120 Speaker 1: the field was now magnified, and that was a problem 257 00:16:14,160 --> 00:16:17,560 Speaker 1: because while he seemed to have felt genuine contrition for 258 00:16:17,640 --> 00:16:20,760 Speaker 1: his role in the June twenty ninth, twenty twelve, college 259 00:16:20,760 --> 00:16:24,200 Speaker 1: station fight, Johnny could not seem to get his behavior 260 00:16:24,280 --> 00:16:27,360 Speaker 1: under control. Looking back on this time at his life, 261 00:16:27,440 --> 00:16:30,240 Speaker 1: Johnny reflected that it was crazy that I had this 262 00:16:30,440 --> 00:16:34,120 Speaker 1: mindset that I played better the harder I parted. But 263 00:16:34,200 --> 00:16:38,680 Speaker 1: that's exactly what Johnny seemed to have an insatiable appetite 264 00:16:38,720 --> 00:16:42,560 Speaker 1: for after dark fun at any cost. For example, on 265 00:16:42,680 --> 00:16:46,000 Speaker 1: Halloween night, he was the life of the party, dotting 266 00:16:46,000 --> 00:16:48,920 Speaker 1: a Scooby Doo costume before dancing the night away with 267 00:16:49,000 --> 00:16:53,240 Speaker 1: a lingerie clad co ed. The press couldn't stop clicking 268 00:16:53,560 --> 00:16:56,800 Speaker 1: and pictures of the pair went viral within hours. That 269 00:16:57,120 --> 00:16:59,600 Speaker 1: in and of itself wasn't a problem, but the fact 270 00:16:59,600 --> 00:17:02,400 Speaker 1: that Johnny was late to football practice the next day. 271 00:17:02,840 --> 00:17:07,200 Speaker 1: Was Cliff Kingsbury, who had gone to coach in the NFL, 272 00:17:07,400 --> 00:17:10,040 Speaker 1: was Johnny's quarterbacks coach at Texas A and M at 273 00:17:10,080 --> 00:17:12,960 Speaker 1: the time of the Scooby Doo incident, and he recounted 274 00:17:12,960 --> 00:17:16,399 Speaker 1: the ensuing chaos the Scooby Doo picture. The next day, 275 00:17:16,440 --> 00:17:18,720 Speaker 1: We're going to Mississippi State and Johnny is nowhere to 276 00:17:18,760 --> 00:17:22,159 Speaker 1: be found in the offensive meeting, Coach Kingsbury remembered, the 277 00:17:22,200 --> 00:17:25,840 Speaker 1: picture has already come out everywhere. Johnny doesn't show at 278 00:17:25,840 --> 00:17:28,240 Speaker 1: all for the meeting, so we're trying to cover for 279 00:17:28,359 --> 00:17:30,560 Speaker 1: him with head coach Kevin Sumlin so he can at 280 00:17:30,640 --> 00:17:34,080 Speaker 1: least show up for the walkthrough. When Johnny finally did 281 00:17:34,119 --> 00:17:37,280 Speaker 1: show up, the excuses he laid out were as dramatic 282 00:17:37,320 --> 00:17:41,960 Speaker 1: as his gameplay. Coach Kingsbury was gobsmacked, saying, Friday, right 283 00:17:41,960 --> 00:17:44,560 Speaker 1: before we leave to go to Starkville and play Mississippi State, 284 00:17:45,080 --> 00:17:49,160 Speaker 1: here he comes. Johnny has some crazy excuse. His roommate 285 00:17:49,240 --> 00:17:52,440 Speaker 1: pulled the plug on his alarm clocks something with the electricity. 286 00:17:52,960 --> 00:17:56,080 Speaker 1: But we already knew what he's been doing. Of course, 287 00:17:56,160 --> 00:17:59,320 Speaker 1: his coach is knew. Everyone knew that Johnny had been 288 00:17:59,359 --> 00:18:02,119 Speaker 1: partying with the co ed. It was plashed it across 289 00:18:02,200 --> 00:18:06,160 Speaker 1: all the tabloids, so why lie about it. Still, even 290 00:18:06,160 --> 00:18:09,560 Speaker 1: though he missed the offensive meeting, Johnny participated in the walkthrough, 291 00:18:10,080 --> 00:18:14,119 Speaker 1: and despite the Knight's excesses, Johnny led Texas A and 292 00:18:14,240 --> 00:18:16,679 Speaker 1: M to one of the most significant victories in the 293 00:18:16,720 --> 00:18:20,119 Speaker 1: program's history. The next day. In light of knowing what 294 00:18:20,240 --> 00:18:23,480 Speaker 1: Johnny had been up to instead of practicing football, coach 295 00:18:23,600 --> 00:18:27,359 Speaker 1: Kingsbury simply couldn't believe the quarterback's talent. At that point, 296 00:18:27,400 --> 00:18:33,760 Speaker 1: I was like, this kid is not human. Johnny Football's fieldest, 297 00:18:33,800 --> 00:18:37,320 Speaker 1: playing style and charismatic leadership on the gridiron had now 298 00:18:37,440 --> 00:18:40,280 Speaker 1: firmly established the Aggies as a force to be reckoned 299 00:18:40,359 --> 00:18:43,880 Speaker 1: with in the sec Whatever speculation there had been about 300 00:18:43,920 --> 00:18:47,720 Speaker 1: Johnny as a three star recruit was buried. Johnny was 301 00:18:47,760 --> 00:18:52,119 Speaker 1: a premier college athlete. The accolades Johnny racked up on 302 00:18:52,200 --> 00:18:55,520 Speaker 1: the heels of his historic freshman Heisman Trophy win kept coming. 303 00:18:55,920 --> 00:18:59,280 Speaker 1: He also claimed the Manning Award for College Quarterbacks and 304 00:18:59,359 --> 00:19:02,639 Speaker 1: the Dave Brian Award, which is the country's oldest and 305 00:19:02,760 --> 00:19:08,119 Speaker 1: most prestigious college quarterback award. Johnny's nascent career of spectacular 306 00:19:08,160 --> 00:19:11,320 Speaker 1: play was a testament to how one player with grit 307 00:19:11,359 --> 00:19:16,040 Speaker 1: and flair could captivate and energize a fan base, influence 308 00:19:16,160 --> 00:19:20,080 Speaker 1: the style of play, and challenge the norms of college football. 309 00:19:20,760 --> 00:19:24,400 Speaker 1: His dynamic presence on the field not only redefined quarterbacking 310 00:19:24,440 --> 00:19:28,160 Speaker 1: in the modern college game, but also inspired countless young 311 00:19:28,200 --> 00:19:32,520 Speaker 1: athletes to aspire to similar heights. But fame can be 312 00:19:32,600 --> 00:19:36,440 Speaker 1: a heavy load to bear, especially on young shoulders. Even 313 00:19:36,440 --> 00:19:40,080 Speaker 1: the great genius Albert Einstein was quoted as saying, with fame, 314 00:19:40,480 --> 00:19:43,960 Speaker 1: I become more and more stupid, which, of course, is 315 00:19:44,000 --> 00:19:50,960 Speaker 1: a very common phenomenon Off the field, Johnny football Manziel 316 00:19:51,200 --> 00:19:55,520 Speaker 1: was struggling. His rising popularity was drawing immense media attention 317 00:19:55,600 --> 00:19:58,240 Speaker 1: at this point, and around the clock scrutiny of his 318 00:19:58,320 --> 00:20:02,199 Speaker 1: behavior was taking its toll. Every one of Johnny's social 319 00:20:02,280 --> 00:20:05,040 Speaker 1: media posts was put under a microscope by the press, 320 00:20:05,560 --> 00:20:08,680 Speaker 1: every word he said was analyzed, and everywhere he went 321 00:20:08,880 --> 00:20:12,560 Speaker 1: became a national stage broadcasting the details of his private life. 322 00:20:13,119 --> 00:20:16,600 Speaker 1: He was turned upside down and shared the complexity of 323 00:20:16,640 --> 00:20:20,399 Speaker 1: his newfound status. I still see myself as young, the 324 00:20:20,440 --> 00:20:22,479 Speaker 1: same guy I was before I ever won the Heisman. 325 00:20:23,040 --> 00:20:26,199 Speaker 1: Hopefully my friends still feel I'm the same way. I 326 00:20:26,280 --> 00:20:28,640 Speaker 1: just want people to know I'm the same person I've 327 00:20:28,720 --> 00:20:33,600 Speaker 1: always been, Johnny said, But was he, and for that matter, 328 00:20:33,680 --> 00:20:36,920 Speaker 1: were his friends the same after his meteoric rise to 329 00:20:36,960 --> 00:20:41,080 Speaker 1: start him. Arguably one of the most problematic influences on 330 00:20:41,160 --> 00:20:44,320 Speaker 1: Johnny during his head turning transition from regular guy to 331 00:20:44,359 --> 00:20:48,120 Speaker 1: a household name was Nate Finch, his best friend since 332 00:20:48,119 --> 00:20:52,720 Speaker 1: middle school. Riding the heels of Johnny's success, Nate followed 333 00:20:52,760 --> 00:20:56,119 Speaker 1: Johnny to Texas A and M and became his personal assistant. 334 00:20:56,760 --> 00:20:59,840 Speaker 1: A twenty something year old kid with zero experience whispering 335 00:20:59,880 --> 00:21:02,199 Speaker 1: in the ear of one of the biggest breakout stars in 336 00:21:02,240 --> 00:21:06,080 Speaker 1: college football. A disaster was looming as the two party 337 00:21:06,119 --> 00:21:10,000 Speaker 1: loving pals egged one another on against the backdrop of 338 00:21:10,080 --> 00:21:15,280 Speaker 1: fame and the pretense of Johnny's family fortune. Why couldn't 339 00:21:15,359 --> 00:21:20,120 Speaker 1: Johnny legitimately fund his lavish lifestyle himself, you ask, why 340 00:21:20,160 --> 00:21:22,520 Speaker 1: did Nate Finch tell everyone who would listen that the 341 00:21:22,560 --> 00:21:27,440 Speaker 1: Manziel family fortune was even more massive than it actually was. Well, 342 00:21:27,520 --> 00:21:31,200 Speaker 1: because Johnny's nightlife antics with Nate ever at his side, 343 00:21:31,520 --> 00:21:34,480 Speaker 1: could not be paid for by his newfound football fame. 344 00:21:35,240 --> 00:21:39,600 Speaker 1: Under NCAA regulations back in twenty twelve, college athletes were 345 00:21:39,640 --> 00:21:44,000 Speaker 1: not permitted to receive financial benefits. This policy didn't change 346 00:21:44,080 --> 00:21:48,399 Speaker 1: until twenty twenty one. Nowadays, college athletes still don't receive 347 00:21:48,480 --> 00:21:51,720 Speaker 1: direct salaries, but at least they can cash in or name, 348 00:21:51,880 --> 00:21:55,280 Speaker 1: image and likeness agreements, which allow them to receive compensation 349 00:21:55,480 --> 00:21:59,000 Speaker 1: when their names are televised. And really this is only 350 00:21:59,040 --> 00:22:03,119 Speaker 1: fair after In less than a year's time, as Menzell 351 00:22:03,280 --> 00:22:07,159 Speaker 1: Mania spread, Texas A and M witnessed its donations more 352 00:22:07,200 --> 00:22:11,040 Speaker 1: than double to seven hundred and forty million dollars. Shouldn't 353 00:22:11,080 --> 00:22:14,080 Speaker 1: Johnny have been entitled to some financial upside for his 354 00:22:14,200 --> 00:22:18,760 Speaker 1: incredible economic contribution to the school. After all, he watched 355 00:22:18,760 --> 00:22:21,639 Speaker 1: head coach Kevin Sumlin get a hefty raise, and he 356 00:22:21,680 --> 00:22:25,960 Speaker 1: saw the Aggi's athletics facilities being significantly upgraded as a 357 00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:29,639 Speaker 1: result of his talent. Put yourself in the shoes of 358 00:22:29,680 --> 00:22:33,360 Speaker 1: two young guys, Johnny and his pal turned personal assistant 359 00:22:33,480 --> 00:22:37,200 Speaker 1: Nate understandably felt that they should be able to live 360 00:22:37,280 --> 00:22:41,960 Speaker 1: large too. So what did Johnny and Nate do? How 361 00:22:42,000 --> 00:22:45,320 Speaker 1: did they write this perceived injustice perpetrated against him by 362 00:22:45,359 --> 00:22:50,440 Speaker 1: the NCAA. They broke the rules. According to screen Rant, 363 00:22:50,560 --> 00:22:53,320 Speaker 1: it was Nate Finch who came up with their solution 364 00:22:53,760 --> 00:22:56,680 Speaker 1: and ran with it. Nate figured that he and Johnny 365 00:22:56,680 --> 00:22:59,359 Speaker 1: could fly somewhere in the country to sign autographs for 366 00:22:59,440 --> 00:23:02,800 Speaker 1: thousands of dollars in cash. This would help fuel Johnny 367 00:23:02,840 --> 00:23:07,560 Speaker 1: Manziel's party going alter ego Johnny Football. The two continued 368 00:23:07,560 --> 00:23:09,840 Speaker 1: to travel around the country, spending the money from the 369 00:23:09,920 --> 00:23:14,440 Speaker 1: NCAA rule breaking autographs almost as fast as they earned it. 370 00:23:14,440 --> 00:23:16,919 Speaker 1: It was also Nate Finch who was responsible for the 371 00:23:16,960 --> 00:23:20,639 Speaker 1: cover story for their non stop partying. He devised the 372 00:23:20,760 --> 00:23:24,840 Speaker 1: story that Johnny Manziel was preternaturally wealthy thanks to his 373 00:23:24,920 --> 00:23:29,640 Speaker 1: family's generational oil money in the Netflix documentary Johnny Football. 374 00:23:29,840 --> 00:23:33,199 Speaker 1: Johnny has since admitted as much, saying we sold a 375 00:23:33,240 --> 00:23:35,680 Speaker 1: little bit of a dream that my family had more 376 00:23:35,760 --> 00:23:39,919 Speaker 1: money than they actually did. Johnny's father, Paul Manzil, also 377 00:23:40,000 --> 00:23:43,880 Speaker 1: told ESPN as Johnny's public partying ramped up that their 378 00:23:43,920 --> 00:23:47,280 Speaker 1: family fortune wasn't Garth Brooks money, but it's still a 379 00:23:47,280 --> 00:23:50,640 Speaker 1: lot of money. The idea that Paul and Michelle Manziel 380 00:23:50,720 --> 00:23:54,080 Speaker 1: were financing their son's spree certainly seemed far off, based 381 00:23:54,160 --> 00:23:58,000 Speaker 1: on their reaction to the rumors. In any event, Nate 382 00:23:58,080 --> 00:24:01,720 Speaker 1: Finch had devised a dirty play for his famous friend Johnny, 383 00:24:02,080 --> 00:24:04,119 Speaker 1: and it was only a matter of time before the 384 00:24:04,240 --> 00:24:07,960 Speaker 1: notoriously straight laced NC double A caught up with them. 385 00:24:08,280 --> 00:24:12,280 Speaker 1: By early twenty thirteen, reports began to emerge that Johnny Manziel, 386 00:24:12,760 --> 00:24:16,040 Speaker 1: Texas A and M star quarterback was officially under NC 387 00:24:16,200 --> 00:24:20,800 Speaker 1: double A investigation for allegedly accepting a five figure flat 388 00:24:20,840 --> 00:24:25,560 Speaker 1: fee for signing photos and memorabilia. This news broke amid 389 00:24:25,680 --> 00:24:30,520 Speaker 1: Johnny's already intensive media scrutiny and sparked a significant inquiry 390 00:24:30,920 --> 00:24:35,120 Speaker 1: into the veracity of the claim. ESPN's team was hot 391 00:24:35,119 --> 00:24:38,000 Speaker 1: on the case, as always, reporting that the signings occurred 392 00:24:38,040 --> 00:24:41,240 Speaker 1: in South Florida, in signing anonymous sources who witnessed the 393 00:24:41,359 --> 00:24:44,800 Speaker 1: January twenty thirteen event but did not see any direct 394 00:24:44,880 --> 00:24:49,680 Speaker 1: exchange of cash. The volume of sequentially numbered autographed items 395 00:24:49,720 --> 00:24:53,200 Speaker 1: for sale online nine hundred and ninety nine, to be precise, 396 00:24:53,880 --> 00:24:56,639 Speaker 1: was pretty damning and suggested that the signings had been 397 00:24:56,760 --> 00:25:01,560 Speaker 1: orchestrated in mass, a method atypical for casual fan interactions 398 00:25:01,880 --> 00:25:07,119 Speaker 1: and more indicative of a professional arrangement. The NCAA's investigation 399 00:25:07,320 --> 00:25:11,880 Speaker 1: was frustrated on the organization's reliance on unnamed sources, who 400 00:25:12,000 --> 00:25:16,800 Speaker 1: rarely cooperate directly. So the NCAA used the next card 401 00:25:16,920 --> 00:25:21,560 Speaker 1: up its sleeve, scrutinizing Johnny Manzel's financial records for any 402 00:25:21,600 --> 00:25:26,119 Speaker 1: anomalies that could indicate a sudden influx of unaccounted for wealth. 403 00:25:26,960 --> 00:25:30,760 Speaker 1: Even so, given the possibility of incoming moneies having come 404 00:25:30,800 --> 00:25:34,919 Speaker 1: from Johnny's family sources rather than from autograph signings, the 405 00:25:35,040 --> 00:25:38,960 Speaker 1: nc DOUBLEA couldn't conclusively prove that Johnny had taken money 406 00:25:38,960 --> 00:25:42,840 Speaker 1: in breach of regulations. They nabbed him on violating the name, 407 00:25:42,960 --> 00:25:46,920 Speaker 1: image and likeness rules of the time, and ultimately Johnny 408 00:25:46,960 --> 00:25:49,280 Speaker 1: was suspended for the first half of the season opener 409 00:25:49,320 --> 00:25:53,359 Speaker 1: against Rice University, an outcome that seemed minimal, but still 410 00:25:53,440 --> 00:25:57,520 Speaker 1: underscored that the nc DOUBLA would enforce their rules even 411 00:25:57,520 --> 00:26:01,280 Speaker 1: against the star player like Johnny Manziel. The joint statement 412 00:26:01,320 --> 00:26:04,280 Speaker 1: from the ncuble A and Texas A and M clarified 413 00:26:04,280 --> 00:26:06,919 Speaker 1: that while there was no hard evidence Johnny had received 414 00:26:06,960 --> 00:26:11,040 Speaker 1: payment for his autographs, his involvement in the signings necessitated 415 00:26:11,119 --> 00:26:16,200 Speaker 1: some punishment. Years later, Johnny Manziel revealed the truth about 416 00:26:16,200 --> 00:26:19,439 Speaker 1: the infamous signings, explaining that he was approached by a 417 00:26:19,480 --> 00:26:23,440 Speaker 1: man who offered him three grand for autographs. After Johnny 418 00:26:23,520 --> 00:26:26,520 Speaker 1: signed his stack, the man gave him contact information for 419 00:26:26,600 --> 00:26:30,760 Speaker 1: someone who could allegedly set him up with similar opportunities, 420 00:26:31,520 --> 00:26:35,760 Speaker 1: and so despite the NC double a's inconclusive investigation at 421 00:26:35,760 --> 00:26:39,639 Speaker 1: the time, the truth eventually came out that Johnny had 422 00:26:39,680 --> 00:26:42,960 Speaker 1: received a sum close to thirty thousand dollars for his 423 00:26:43,040 --> 00:26:46,200 Speaker 1: autographs while playing for Texas A and M. Turns out 424 00:26:46,240 --> 00:26:48,119 Speaker 1: he'd gotten away with a slap on the wrist for 425 00:26:48,200 --> 00:26:52,080 Speaker 1: an infraction which could have much more dramatically impacted his 426 00:26:52,160 --> 00:26:56,600 Speaker 1: twenty thirteen season. But did Johnny thank his lucky stars 427 00:26:56,640 --> 00:27:00,520 Speaker 1: for a skirting disaster and learn from the incident certainly 428 00:27:00,520 --> 00:27:03,720 Speaker 1: didn't seem like it. After serving his light suspension for 429 00:27:03,840 --> 00:27:08,440 Speaker 1: what was termed an inadvertent violation of NCAA rules, Johnny 430 00:27:08,440 --> 00:27:11,560 Speaker 1: Football entered the game against Rece University in the second half, 431 00:27:12,080 --> 00:27:15,920 Speaker 1: visibly eager to make an impact. On the Aggie second drive, 432 00:27:16,280 --> 00:27:18,800 Speaker 1: he connected with wide receiver Mike Evans for a twenty 433 00:27:18,840 --> 00:27:22,280 Speaker 1: three yard touchdown. As Mike celebrated in the end zone, 434 00:27:22,520 --> 00:27:25,879 Speaker 1: Johnny made a defining gesture that would become synonymous with 435 00:27:25,920 --> 00:27:29,960 Speaker 1: his flamboyance and utter defiance of authority. He flashed to 436 00:27:30,080 --> 00:27:34,280 Speaker 1: show me the money sign with his hands. Wooh, talk 437 00:27:34,320 --> 00:27:38,000 Speaker 1: about a burn. It's hard to imagine that NCUBA President 438 00:27:38,080 --> 00:27:41,399 Speaker 1: Mark allen Emmert was anything but livid seeing the cocky 439 00:27:41,480 --> 00:27:46,800 Speaker 1: quarterbacks show such blatant public disrespect. After all, Johnny's gesture 440 00:27:46,920 --> 00:27:50,720 Speaker 1: was clearly not just a spontaneous act of celebration. It 441 00:27:50,840 --> 00:27:54,600 Speaker 1: was a calculated message. I was pissed, but had the 442 00:27:54,600 --> 00:27:57,520 Speaker 1: biggest smirk on my face, Johnny said, reflecting on his 443 00:27:57,560 --> 00:28:01,000 Speaker 1: feelings about the NCUBA suspension and his return to the field. 444 00:28:01,880 --> 00:28:05,040 Speaker 1: The money gesture quickly became a symbol of Johnny Football's 445 00:28:05,080 --> 00:28:09,640 Speaker 1: rebellious spirit against the NCAA's regulations and a rallying cry 446 00:28:09,720 --> 00:28:13,600 Speaker 1: for those critical of the NCAA's policies on amateur athletes. 447 00:28:17,000 --> 00:28:20,159 Speaker 1: His mother, Michelle Manziel, later commented on the public's reaction 448 00:28:20,280 --> 00:28:24,480 Speaker 1: to Johnny's gesture. I didn't like it, but people begged 449 00:28:24,480 --> 00:28:28,640 Speaker 1: for it, she said. Michelle's words underscored the mixed feelings 450 00:28:28,680 --> 00:28:33,440 Speaker 1: surrounding Johnny's actions. While some viewed his disobedience as inappropriate, 451 00:28:33,960 --> 00:28:37,720 Speaker 1: others saw it as a bold stand against perceived injustices. 452 00:28:38,440 --> 00:28:42,040 Speaker 1: This moment not only fueled further media frenzy around Johnny, 453 00:28:42,480 --> 00:28:46,200 Speaker 1: but also solidified his public persona as a player unafraid 454 00:28:46,240 --> 00:28:51,120 Speaker 1: to push boundaries and challenge authority, despite the cloud of 455 00:28:51,200 --> 00:28:55,320 Speaker 1: controversy around his off field behavior and the personal fallout 456 00:28:55,360 --> 00:28:58,880 Speaker 1: with his friend and partner in partying, Nate Finch, whom 457 00:28:58,880 --> 00:29:02,400 Speaker 1: he had to replace with proper management as its career skyrocketed, 458 00:29:03,000 --> 00:29:07,120 Speaker 1: Johnny's sophomore season was marked by stellar performances that solidified 459 00:29:07,160 --> 00:29:10,400 Speaker 1: his status as one of the most electrifying players in 460 00:29:10,440 --> 00:29:14,520 Speaker 1: the nation. In his sophomore year, Johnny threw for foury 461 00:29:14,600 --> 00:29:18,640 Speaker 1: one hundred fourteen passing yards and thirty seven touchdowns, while 462 00:29:18,680 --> 00:29:21,760 Speaker 1: also rushing for seven hundred and fifty nine yards and 463 00:29:21,920 --> 00:29:26,280 Speaker 1: another nine touchdowns. These impressive stats not only reaffirmed his 464 00:29:26,440 --> 00:29:30,600 Speaker 1: dynamic playmaking ability, but also ensured he remained a strong 465 00:29:30,680 --> 00:29:33,480 Speaker 1: contender in the Heisman Trophy race for a second year. 466 00:29:36,120 --> 00:29:40,160 Speaker 1: The guy was an athletic marvel. Johnny's flair for extending 467 00:29:40,200 --> 00:29:45,200 Speaker 1: plays and escaping pressure translated into numerous game changing moments, 468 00:29:45,520 --> 00:29:49,200 Speaker 1: capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike, and highlighting 469 00:29:49,240 --> 00:29:53,800 Speaker 1: his unique skill set as a dual threat quarterback. However, 470 00:29:54,360 --> 00:29:58,600 Speaker 1: the specter of his past behaviors and the NCAA investigation lingered, 471 00:29:59,120 --> 00:30:04,160 Speaker 1: raising questions about his maturity and readiness for the professional stage. 472 00:30:04,200 --> 00:30:08,640 Speaker 1: He did not win another Heisman Trophy. As Johnny's time 473 00:30:08,680 --> 00:30:10,800 Speaker 1: at Texas A and M drew to a close, his 474 00:30:11,000 --> 00:30:14,640 Speaker 1: prospects in the NFL Draft were like lumping chopped Brussels 475 00:30:14,680 --> 00:30:18,360 Speaker 1: sprouts into the juicer for a green blend. Some people 476 00:30:18,400 --> 00:30:22,040 Speaker 1: loved this chances, while others not so much. Scouts and 477 00:30:22,080 --> 00:30:25,120 Speaker 1: teams were enamored with his on field abilities, but were 478 00:30:25,160 --> 00:30:29,800 Speaker 1: equally cautious about the potential for off field distractions. And 479 00:30:29,920 --> 00:30:34,920 Speaker 1: Johnny's dynamic play style, which had disrupted traditional defenses in college, 480 00:30:35,080 --> 00:30:38,720 Speaker 1: was appealing. Yet the uncertainty about how his play and 481 00:30:38,800 --> 00:30:42,160 Speaker 1: personality would translate to the NFL was a topic of 482 00:30:42,240 --> 00:30:46,160 Speaker 1: much debate. Like many players before him, NFL teams worried 483 00:30:46,160 --> 00:30:49,000 Speaker 1: about his impact in the locker room and wondered if 484 00:30:49,040 --> 00:30:52,280 Speaker 1: Johnny Football Manziel would be more trouble than he was worth. 485 00:30:53,480 --> 00:30:57,240 Speaker 1: As the draft approached, the sports were buzzed with speculation. 486 00:30:58,000 --> 00:31:02,160 Speaker 1: Were Johnny's electric, improvacydational style find a home in the NFL? 487 00:31:02,600 --> 00:31:06,160 Speaker 1: But the game is faster and more complex, after all, 488 00:31:06,480 --> 00:31:10,440 Speaker 1: Johnny lacked the size of the typical NFL quarterback. Could 489 00:31:10,520 --> 00:31:13,000 Speaker 1: his past and his penchant for making headlines for the 490 00:31:13,040 --> 00:31:16,560 Speaker 1: wrong reasons affect his draft status and his ability to 491 00:31:16,600 --> 00:31:20,440 Speaker 1: succeed at the professional level. Join me your host in 492 00:31:20,600 --> 00:31:25,040 Speaker 1: Brave Maurista for next week's episode of Playing Dirty Sports Scandals, 493 00:31:25,440 --> 00:31:29,080 Speaker 1: when I'll serve up the whirlwind of Johnny Manziel's entry 494 00:31:29,120 --> 00:31:32,600 Speaker 1: into the NFL, the stakes will be higher, the lights 495 00:31:32,680 --> 00:31:36,240 Speaker 1: will be brighter, and the tackles will be tougher, till 496 00:31:36,320 --> 00:31:50,760 Speaker 1: then stay thirsty. Playing Dirty Sports Scandals is a production 497 00:31:50,880 --> 00:31:55,160 Speaker 1: of Dan Patrick Productions, Never Ever Productions and Workhouse Media 498 00:31:55,320 --> 00:32:00,520 Speaker 1: from executive producers Dan Patrick, Paul Anderson, Nick Panela, My Glickman, 499 00:32:00,640 --> 00:32:04,640 Speaker 1: and Jennifer Clary. Hosted by Jay Harris, Written and produced 500 00:32:04,640 --> 00:32:09,360 Speaker 1: by Jen Brown, Francie Haiks, Maya Glickman, and Jennifer Claary.