The University of Georgia has suspended running back Todd Gurley indefinitely amid accusations he made money in exchange for signing various sports memorabilia — a violation of NCAA rules.
A statement from UGA didn't go into any details, only citing an "ongoing investigation into an alleged violation of NCAA rules."
But, according to Sports Illustrated, one person "paid Gurley $400 to sign 80 items on campus in Athens, Ga., one day this past spring. The person claimed to have a photo and video of Gurley signing the items, but neither the photo nor the video showed money changing hands." Plus SI say they caught wind of a database that reveals "90 consecutively numbered pieces of Gurley-signed memorabilia."
The official NCAA guidelinesapplies stricter punishments depending on how much money was made from signing team memorabilia. Hypothetically, if the allegations are true, Gurley could face anywhere from a one-to-four game suspension though tougher penalties could still be applied.
UGA football coach Mark Richt gave a brief response in the University's statement, "I'm obviously very disappointed. The important thing for our team is to turn all our attention toward preparation for Missouri."
This is a sizable blow for the number 13th-ranked team in the nation, as they now head to the 23rd-ranked Missouri Tigers for a showdown between the top two teams in the SEC this weekend without the services of their best player.
Gurley has had a monster season thus far. He currently leads the Bulldogs with 773 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
ESPN currently ranks him atop the list of potential Heisman trophy candidates — the award given annually to the best player in college football.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
