"It became a major narrative in the college football season this year and it propelled him to being a Heisman finalist. Now, I'm not saying that I think Manti knew all along. I'm just saying that there was incentive for that to be part of his personal story," he said.

"I'm very, very sad for the whole situation," said one caller to ESPN 1420.

"Manti needs to speak and speak as soon as possible. ASAP," said Pacheco.