Report: Georgia's Todd Gurley enlists former Manziel, Newton lawyer
Suspended Georgia running back Todd Gurley has reportedly enlisted the services of William King, the former lawyer for Johnny Manziel and Cam Newton.
The Birmingham-based firm Lightfoot Franklin & White, for whom King works, represented both Manziel, the former Texas A&M standout, as well as Newton, who played for Auburn. Both faced eligibility cases, and both were reinstated after speedy NCAA investigations. Manziel allegedly accepted $10,000 to sign autographs for a broker last season.
King worked on behalf of Texas A&M during Manziel's ordeal. Gurley has retained King himself, while Georgia funds it.
Sports Illustrated reported that the Heisman Trophy-hopeful was suspended Thursday amid a signed memorabilia-for-cash investigation. He was said to have received $400 to sign 80 items.
The incident isn't unprecedented: in 2010, then-Georgia receiver A.J. Green was suspended four games for allegedly selling a jersey. Manziel was eventually suspended for just half-a-game as punishment for his alleged misconduct.