Gurley Appeal Fails

Athens, GA- The NCAA announced Thursday evening that the Division-1 Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee upheld their previous ruling of suspending Georgia running back Todd Gurley for four games. Georgia filed an appeal Wednesday to try and reduce the NCAA’s disciplinary measures for their star running back, but to no avail. Gurley will be eligible to play again November 15, when the Bulldogs host No. 3 Auburn.

The University of Georgia released a response soon after the NCAA’s decision, saying:

“We are very disappointed in tonight’s decision by the Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee regarding our appeal on Todd Gurley’s eligibility reinstatement.  We believe our case to the NCAA for Todd’s immediate reinstatement was strong and compelling.  However, we now have exhausted all available options and look forward to Todd’s return to competition on November 15.  The full attention of the Bulldog Nation now needs to be focused on our team and Saturday’s important game against Florida.” 

“…we now have exhausted all available options and look forward to Todd’s return to competition on November 15.”

– The University of Georgia

The NCAA originally suspended Gurley for four games, or 30% of the season, because Gurley received more than $3,000 from multiple individuals for autographed memorabilia over the past two years. The NCAA also required Gurley to pay a portion of his earnings to a charity of his choice. Finally, Gurley must complete 40 hours of community service in order to be fully reinstated.

Although Gurley had been practicing with the team as recently as this past week, the once-Heisman hopeful has not played since October 4 against Vanderbilt.