Aug 23, 2013 02:45 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Last week, Texas A&M athletic director Eric Hyman gave Johnny Manziel a public vote of confidence, but Friday, chancellor John Sharp when one step further, KBTX reported.

"I know he's innocent," Sharp told KBTX's Steve Fullhart. "I know that he didn't do what [the NCAA] accused him of doing, and I think that it's time that we, once we knew what the facts are and we know the facts... and I've seen what everybody else has seen now, and the rest of the country is going to get to see that before it's over with."

Manziel is currently under investigation by the NCAA and by Texas A&M University (TAMU) for allegedly accepting payment for thousands of autographs over a very short period of time. Sharp's comments came after an event at A&M's football stadiums.

Asked how he knew Manziel was innocent, Sharp said, "I just know. I've seen things that other folks can't see. And it didn't happen. It did not happen."

Sharp's interview with KBTX came the day after ESPN reported the TAMU chancellor called into question the reporting of the allegations against Manziel. Sharp specifically singled out ESPN's Darren Rovell for not using named sources and not presenting solid evidence.

"Some members of the media have chosen to declare #2 guilty with no evidence whatsoever," Sharp wrote to ESPN. "Darren Rovell of ESPN, who broke this story, has been duped before. During his report on Johnny Manziel, he cites unnamed sources who refuse to provide an interview or any tangible proof."

Sharp also wrote that one of ESPN's named sources, Drew Tieman, has been cited for marijuana possession twice and has taken down his Facebook page, changed his phone number and is refusing to cooperate with the NCAA in its investigation.

An ESPN spokesman responded Thursday by simply stating, "We stand by our reporting." The sports network also claimed an online check showed Tieman's Facebook profile to be active.

Last week, TAMU athletic director Eric Hyman assured the school's boosters, the 12th Man Foundation, in an email the school was standing by Manziel.

"Everyone wants to know the status of our quarterback, Johnny Manziel," Hyman wrote. "As we have stated previously, our practice is to not discuss such matters publicly. Our foremost priority, regardless of the circumstances, is to protect and support our student-athletes while also upholding the integrity of the University and complying with NCAA rules and regulations."

Rovell reported Thursday night via Twitter a dinner where boosters paid $20,000 to sit at a table with Manziel.

A group of A&M boosters have paid $20,000 to sit at a table with Johnny Manziel tonight.

— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) August 23, 2013

It is still not known if the NCAA has enough evidence to rule the reigning Heisman Trophy winner ineligible, but clearly, TAMU is doing everything they can to keep their superstar on the field all year.

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