Texas A&M's Sumlin says Manziel will practice as normal

George Schroeder | USA TODAY Sports

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said he first learned of allegations that Johnny Manziel broke NCAA rules – and thus, that the Heisman Trophy winner's college eligibility might be in peril – on Sunday evening, as the Aggies reconvened for their first team meeting.

"The last 24 hours, with the news about Johnny, the university is doing its due diligence to find out the facts," Sumlin said. "We're gonna practice and go ahead as normal and be able to adjust to the facts."

ESPN's Outside The Lines reported Sunday evening that Manziel agreed to a "five-figure flat fee" with an autograph broker named Drew Tieman for signing memorabilia during Manziel's visit to the site of the 2013 BCS Championship game in January. NCAA Bylaw 12.5.2.1 prohibits players from accepting money for promotion or sale of a product or service.

Sumlin said he had not heard from university officials that the NCAA had initiated an initial inquiry – though official notice quite often comes long after an investigation has begun. ESPN reported James Garland, an NCAA assistant director of enforcement, had begun investigating.

Sumlin said he had spoken with Manziel "a little bit" regarding the allegations and planned to talk with Manziel more today. He said he would not reveal what was said.

Until the investigation is completed, Manziel's eligibility is in question, but Sumlin would not speculate about whether the school would suspend Manziel for any games.

"There's a lot of people involved in that decision," he said.

Sumlin said Manziel would practice as normal, and added that the Aggies need to develop their backup quarterbacks (former backup Jameill Showers transferred to UTEP in February). The Aggies' first practice is this afternoon. Asked specifically if Manziel was still the starting quarterback, he said: "He'll get as many (repetitions) as he was gonna get yesterday (before the news broke)."

Sumlin added: "The allegations of (Sunday), that comes with the territory with a high-profile player."

Since the season ended last January, Manziel's offseason pursuits have gotten plenty of attention. The quarterback sat courtside at NBA games, hung out with celebrities like pro athletes and pop stars and played Pebble Beach – tweeting most of the way. He also tweeted his frustration and desire to leave College Station after a parking ticket, and later implored fans to try to walk in his shoes. Last month, he was asked to leave the Manning Passing Academy, where he was to be a counselor, after missing scheduled sessions – and then a few days later, he was told to leave a fraternity party at the University of Texas.

Sumlin said those had not been distractions. He said the "events of the last week can be," and he was referring not only to the allegations about his star quarterback, but the death of a player. A week ago, defensive lineman Polo Manukainiu and Utah defensive lineman Gaius "Keio" Vaenuku were killed in a one-vehicle accident in New Mexico.

Sumlin said the Aggies will attend Manukainiu's funeral on Saturday.

"The best thing for this team and the best thing for everybody involved in this organization is to get back to practice today," Sumlin said. "Turn the music on and get going."

George Schroeder, a national college football reporter for USA TODAY Sports, is on Twitter @GeorgeSchroeder.