Texas A&M chancellor John Sharp defended Johnny Manziel and criticized ESPN in an email to the university community and business leaders Wednesday, Suzanne Halliburton of the Austin-American Statesman. Sharp had some strong words for ESPN and in particular Darren Rovell
Sharp led off the email with link a link to a story publicizing his recent comments supporting Manziel. He said that his comments were his “personal” view and his motivation was because of the “ongoing and productive dialogue with the NCAA during their investigation, as required.”
He then mentions Rovell and other “members of the media (who) have chosen to declare # 2 guilty with no evidence whatsoever.”
Sharp wrote that “Rovell … has been duped before.” He then linked to a correction Rovell issued when he was working for CNBC.
Sharp also took a couple swipes at Drew Tieman, the broker who originally snitched to ESPN:
Sharp said that Tieman “was reportedly booked twice for possession of marijuana and placed on four years probation.” Sharp, in the email, said that Tieman has taken down his Faccebook page and has changed his phone number. Sharp said Tieman is refusing to speak with the NCAA.
He wrote: “It is surprising that the nation’s largest sports channel would support publication with this lack of corroboration.”
John Sharp seems to be taking the approach (privately since the email was leaked) that they are standing behind Johnny and their are going to ride with him. I might take that approach too if the player in question made my school a reported $37 million and won the Heisman.
