Well Georgia fans the news isn’t encouraging in regards to Todd Gurley being back this season. According to AJC.com the investigation involving Gurley receiving money for signing some memorabilia may cost him the rest of the season and likely ending his career at Georgia.
A person familiar with the investigation of the possible violations by Georgia running back Todd Gurley told the AJC on Friday that it’s a “significant” case of the sale of memorabilia and there is a possibility that Gurley may not be cleared to return to the field this season.
Unlike the case involving Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M, the source says, there is evidence that wasn’t available in the Manziel case. Manziel got a half-game punishment last season to start the year.
Other sources familiar with the investigation say a determination of punishment should be made by early next week.
Georgia on Thursday suspended Gurley indefinitely following allegations the junior tailback and Heisman hopeful had violated NCAA rules regarding improper benefits for amateur athletes.
Gurley could face anywhere from a couple of games to the rest of the season, depending on the amount of money he may have made from the sale of any memorabilia.
Gurley is alleged to have received $400 to sign 80 pieces of memorabilia on the Georgia campus this past spring, according to several media reports.
Robert touched on how this suspension is a blessing in disguise for Gurley and I have to agree with him. Aside from missing out on the Heisman and his team missing his production I don’t see the downside of Gurley getting to take a seat for the rest of the year. He already has plenty of carries logged for Georgia and now he doesn’t have to take another hit until he is playing on Sundays. Running backs are not as valued as they once were, so these guys have to protect themselves and strike while the iron is hot. If I was Gurley, I would live in the weight room, focus on my degree and enjoy what’s left of college because he won’t be there much longer.