NCAA To Stop Selling Merchandise

Earlier this week, ESPN's Jay Bilas found that the NCAA's online store, ShopNCAASports.com was selling jerseys with likenesses of its student-athletes. Now, NCAA president Mark Emmert says that won't happen anymore.

The NCAA is also in the midst of a lawsuit, Ed O'Bannon vs. the NCAA.  O'Bannon is arguing the NCAA's rights to use student-athletes' likenesses on TV broadcasts and in video games.

The NCAA has since said it will stop letting EA Sports use its logo on NCAA Football video games in addition to no longer selling merchandise through their online store.

While the the NCAA has since pulled out of two major revenue boosts, the investigation of star quarterback Johnny Manziel took another turn on Thursday. Manziel has been investigated by the NCAA for allegedly signing autographs for a profit. His attorney, Jim Darnell reported to USA Today, that he believes the Texas A&M star quarterback will not miss any time playing college football in 2013.

"I can't say much other than we're working through the process. He's cooperating with the investigation. We think when this all comes out on the other end, he'll be the starting quarterback for the Aggies against Rice."

With the NCAA's move to dismiss themselves from selling online merchandise with likenesses to student-athletes, and from video games, the NCAA is sending a message to its universities. It's appearing to be the right message, as in investigations like Manziel's, the NCAA doesn't want to look hypocritical.

It's the right move, and a right step in the direction for the NCAA and its student-athletes.