Does Dez Bryant have a point?

The Dallas Cowboys have a beast at wide receiver in Dez Bryant. As a fan, I've been impressed with and proud of how Dez has grown up in front of us. He was a raw, rough rookie off the field when he first came into the league and he has grown up and matured into a leader of the Cowboys.

So when Dez talks nowadays, people tend to listen. Today (8-14-13) Dez was quoted as saying he would be very upset and mad if the NCAA doesn't suspend Texas A&M Quarterback Johnny Manziel for being paid to sign autographs. Does Dez have a right to be upset. Let's take a look back at Dez's issues with the NCAA.

Bryant was suspended for the entire 2009 season, what would have been his final year at Oklahoma State. During the off-season that year, Bryant and former Cowboy defensive back Deion Sanders had developed a close friendship. Bryant went to Deion's house for dinner before the season started. When asked about that dinner, Bryant thought it was a violation and lied to the NCAA saying he never had dinner with Deion. It wasn't a violation, but the NCAA didn't appreciate being lied to so they suspended Bryant for the entire 2009 season for lying about something that wasn't a violation to begin with.

Now let's take a look at Johnny Manziel. Johnny Football has been signing autographs for money since he won the Heisman Trophy. Sources are telling ESPN's "Outside The Lines" that he has been paid for signing engagements FOUR TIMES since January. The NCAA is currently investigating Manziel but no ruling has been announced.

So does Dez Bryant have a point and an argument? Absolutely he does. Bryant didn't do anything wrong except lie. I don't agree about Bryant lying to the NCAA, but other than that he didn't do anything wrong. Manziel is taking money for autographs which is a clear violation of NCAA by-laws. So yes, Dez Bryant has a right to what he said. If the NCAA do not suspend Manziel, Bryant has every right to be upset and mad. For what it's worth (and it ain't worth much) I highly support Dez Bryant. 

So to the NCAA...do the right thing. Suspend Johnny Manziel. Make a point to all student athletes that says they are not above the law. Do the right thing and suspend Johnny Manziel or you will have completely wronged Dez Bryant and cost that young man a year of college.

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