The NCAA was quick to clarify a "loophole" involving a lawsuit filed by Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel against the makers of a T-shirt that were illegally using his trademarked nickname of Johnny Football. The suit was filed by the Heisman Trophy winner's corporation and immediately raised concerns involving Manziel's amateurism. On Tuesday, the NCAA tried to address some of those concerns reportedly telling A&M officials that while it found the lawsuit was not an infraction, intentional copyright violations for the purpose of funneling money to a player would be considered a violation.
Breaking up is hard to do
Negotiations between the Big East and the group of schools looking to break away — the Catholic 7 — are still ongoing, according to Big East commissioner Mike Aresco. Aresco and the presidents and athletic directors from all the schools involved met Friday near Atlanta to discuss the impending divorce between the two factions. The timetable for the breakup was moved up after the members of the Catholic 7 appear to be close to a possible television rights deal with Fox Sports. Discussions have centered on whether the group can leave the Big East before the mandated 27-month exit and take the "Big East" name.
Muhammad one-and-done
UCLA coach Ben Howland may have dropped the worst-kept secret in college basketball when he announced freshman superstar Shabazz Muhammad had played his last game in Pauley Pavilion. The not-so stunning announcement came moments after the Bruins dispatched No. 11 Arizona, 74-69 Saturday. "That was his last game in Pauley, no doubt about it," Howland said following the victory. Muhammad, who is averaging 18 points per game this season, is considered by many a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft. No decision about his future plans has been reached, according to Muhammad.
Zags on top
Gonzaga could make some history Monday afternoon. That's when the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll will be released and the second-ranked Zags (29-2, 16-0 West Coast Conference) could become the latest team to hold the No. 1 ranking in the country. It will be the first time in school history the men's basketball program has been ranked No. 1 in the country. With losses by top-ranked Indiana, Miami and Michigan this week, the door is open for voters to put Gonzaga in the top spot. However, No. 3 Duke's 79-76 win over No. 5 Miami Saturday could push the Blue Devils into the top spot for the first time since Week 10.
More with Bill O'Brien
For more of my interview with Penn State coach Bill O'Brien, go to OrlandoSentinel.com/ collegegridiron to read about his thoughts on college realignment, the Big Ten and his relationship with UCF coach George O'Leary.
On the Web
For more college football news, head over to our blog at OrlandoSentinel.com/collegegridiron or you can like us at Facebook.com/collegegridiron 365 and add me on Google +. Follow us on Twitter at @osmattmurschel and @gridiron365.
