In recent years, the college football world has seen its fair share of autograph scandals, whether with Johnny Manziel at Texas A&M or last year with Todd Gurley at Georgia. But it's hardly a recent phenomenon in the sport, as former Texas quarterback Chris Simms attested to on the radio Thursday.
Simms, 34, filled in as a co-host on CBSSports Radio's Tiki and Tierney on Thursday, and he had this to say about his time in Austin from 1999 to 2002.
"They didn't pay me, but there may have been cash going around to some other players," said Simms. "I’m not going to deny that. I may have gotten a few $100 handshakes every now and then to sign some autographs for alumni.
"I don’t care how rich your upbringing was. Yes, I grew up with a silver spoon, but if you give me a few extra $100 as a college kid, that’s great."
Now, as Simms alluded to in the quote, he is the son of former NFL quarterback Phil Simms and grew up in a family that could provide whatever he needed (much like Manziel).
Also, it's not like Simms was some kind of superstar, though he was an All-Big 12 selection in 2001 and 2002. He was just enjoying the benefits of being the starting quarterback at a school like Texas.
He wasn't the first to take money, and he certainly hasn't been the last. Try as they might, the NCAA is never going to be able to keep stuff like this from happening, and frankly, I'm glad they can't.
There are a lot worse things a player can be doing than taking $100 here and there for some autographs.
