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.