Texas A&M Aggies legend Johnny Manziel is defending the police officer who was caught in an awkward moment during a college football game over the weekend.
During the game between A&M and South Carolina, a number of Gamecocks players celebrated after scoring a touchdown to go up 26-3 by running down a tunnel.
As they were walking back, a police officer began walking up towards them before bumping into a player.
The cop appeared to shove one player after making contact with him before turning around, pointing a finger at a different player and yelling at them.
The Texas A&M Police Department said in a statement that the cop is no longer on his game day assignment.
Appearing on the ‘Nightcap’ podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson, Manziel supported the cop.
Former Texas A&M star Johnny Manziel came out in support of the cop who yelled at a South Carolina football player during a game between the two schools over the weekend
The officer was later relieved of his gameday duties after the brief altercation on Saturday
‘I think we’re just a little frustrated in that first half. He breaks off that run, runs out the tunnel,’ Manziel said. ‘Around here in these parts, partner, we protect this house.
‘We paid a lot of money for this house. Get out of my tunnel, boy! Get back on the field.
‘He gave him a lil something, let him know what’s up… It is a small gesture that of course in the day and age we live in, it’s on TV and recorded and blasted everywhere. I’m sure the guy obviously feels bad about it.’
However, Manziel also sided with Nyck Harbor – the South Carolina player who appeared to exchange words with the trooper.
‘I’m not gonna lie, if I’m in that position too, I’m going to go with the guy. I’m definitely turning around getting in his face and saying something,’ the former Heisman winner said.
Eventually, Manziel did agree with Sharpe and Johnson that the trooper’s actions were unnecessary.
‘He sought it out for sure,’ Manziel said of the Texas state trooper. ‘And to be honest, I’ve had my tiffs with the state troopers and the city police of Bryan and College Station.
The Aggies put up the largest comeback in school history to beat the Gamecocks 31-30
‘I will say for the majority of the people in law enforcement in and around this area, this is a very well-policed, very protect the school and protect the people area. …
‘But that today, what we saw, was wrong for sure. And I think A&M did handle it the right way.’
South Carolina coach Shane Beamer concurred with Manziel, thanking the team for handling the situation ‘the right way’.
The Gamecocks would race out to a 30-3 lead before No. 3 ranked Texas A&M completed the largest comeback in school history to win 31-30 and stay undefeated.
