Georgia director of athletics Greg McGarity released a statement on Friday afternoon, in which he said the university had retained legal counsel for running back Todd Gurley, which is permitted under NCAA rules.
“While the University does not tolerate any violation of NCAA rules, the University has supported and continues to support its student-athletes,” McGarity said on the athletic department’s website. “As just one example, when this matter arose, the University offered separate legal counsel to Todd; the University recommended — and Todd retained — counsel with vast experience with eligibility matters; and the University continues to pay for Todd’s counsel , as permitted by NCAA rules.”
“We have made clear to Todd that regardless of what happens with this case, he is still a member of the Bulldog family, and we will support him in every way we can … Rest assured the University is continuing its efforts to resolve the eligibility matter as expeditiously as possible and in a manner that is in the best interests of the University, its coaches, and its student-athletes.”
According to ESPN.com‘s Mark Schlabach, the man who allegedly paid Gurley to autograph memorabilia has retained a high-profile Atlanta attorney.
Ed Garland, who has represented former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and current ESPN analyst Ray Lewis among other clients, has been hired by Bryan Allen whose relationship with Gurley is being investigated by UGA and NCAA officials.
“I do represent Bryan Allen,” Garland told ESPN.com. “He’s not going to be making any statements. Really, I have nothing else to say.”
On Thursday, Gurley was suspended indefinitely for allegedly signing numerous sports memorabilia items in exchange for money. The Heisman Trophy candidate did not make the trip to Columbia for the Bulldogs’ SEC East showdown with Missouri on Saturday afternoon.
On Friday, it was reported that Gurley’s season would likely be over due to the ongoing investigation. It had been widely expected that the Bulldogs’ leading rusher would forego his senior season to enter the 2015 NFL Draft.
Media outlets on Thursday reported that Gurley had been paid $400 to sign between 80 and 90 items of memorabilia. Under NCAA rules, if he accepted improper benefits ranging from $100 to $400, Gurley would face a possible one-game suspension. That penalty would increase to two games for amounts ranging from $400 to $700 and four games for an amount greater than $700.
According to Schlabach, Allen sent an email to several media outlets on Sept. 30 stating he had video evidence of Gurley doing a private autograph signing last March. According to Allen, Gurley had paid thousands for items he had signed over the last 18 months. Allen claimed in the email he was not seeking compensation for the video, according to Schlabach.
After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.
