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Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, right, was once suspended while at Texas A&M after being accused of receiving money for autographs, similar to what Georgia running back Todd Gurley has been accused of. (AP photos John Bazemore & Wade Payne)
Johnny Manziel, who was also once suspended an autographed memorabilia scandal, said Friday he understands what Georgia running back Todd Gurley is going through.
"I feel for him," Manziel said, according to ESPN.com.
Manziel sat out half of Texas A&M's season-opener against Rice last season, after being accused of receiving money for autographed items that were later sold online. Gurley has been suspended indefinitely for a similar offense, though there is apparently more evidence against him than there was in Manziel's case.
Nevertheless, Manziel -- the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner who is now a rookie with the Cleveland Browns -- said he believes such suspensions are unjustified.
"He's built an image for himself. He's built somewhat of a brand," Manziel said. "I feel he should be able to capitalize off it. I don't think [NCAA rules are] going to change any time soon. ... It's an ongoing -- for student-athletes -- problem in college athletics."
Manziel also showed his support for Gurley on Twitter.
Gurley, the SEC's leading rusher and a top Heisman Trophy candidate, will sit out at least Saturday's key SEC East battle at Missouri. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday that it's possible Gurley's suspension could extend for the remainder of the season.