It looks like we won’t have to wait much longer to see Todd Gurley play again. The University of Georgia announced that it is applying for Gurley’s reinstatement which needs to be approved by the NCAA.
Todd Gurley will be reinstated and return to playing for the Georgia football team, pending approval by the NCAA.
UGA announced Wednesday morning that it is applying to the NCAA for Gurley’s reinstatement. In a statement released by the school, the star tailback took “full responsibility for the mistakes I made,” then said he was looking forward to returning to the field.
The statement did not outright say that the reinstatement would be effective for Georgia’s next game, against Florida a week from Saturday. It did seem the implication, however.
Gurley has missed the past two games pending an investigation by UGA into whether he signed autographs for money. Gurley missed Georgia’s practice on Tuesday in order to attend to a matter involving his status, according to multiple sources.
Here the full statement released by UGA:
Since completing its initial review of the eligibility matter involving UGA student-athlete Todd Gurley on October 9, the University has been supporting Todd and cooperating with his legal counsel as they review the matter.
Todd has confirmed his desire to seek reinstatement, and the University fully supports Todd’s request. The University plans to file the necessary paperwork with the NCAA later today.
“I want to thank the University, coaches, teammates, and the Bulldog Nation for their patience and support,” Gurley said. “I take full responsibility for the mistakes I made, and I can’t thank the University, my coaches, and teammates enough for supporting me throughout this process. I’m looking forward to getting back on the field with my teammates.”
Gurley’s attorney, William King, said, “Todd has taken responsibility for his actions and is ready to rejoin his teammates. The University has been great throughout the past two weeks and has done everything it can to support Todd. I would especially like to thank President Morehead, Greg McGarity, and Coach Richt for standing by Todd.”
The University hopes for and expects a prompt ruling by the NCAA so that Todd, his coaches, and teammates can adequately prepare for our next game.
Previously I wondered if the bye week would play into Georgia’s favor when it came to resolving this matter and seems it did. As long as the NCAA doesn’t drag their feet, I expect Gurley to suit up for the Florida game. The Bulldogs running game hasn’t exactly struggled since Gurley has been out, but having him back definitely gives their offense a huge boost.