A new Georgia law tries to prevent the debacle that led to star University of Georgia running back Todd Gurley's suspension from ever happening again.
Gov. Nathan Deal has signed House Bill 3, which stiffens penalties on anyone who tries to bribe or entice college athletes to knowingly break NCAA rules by taking money. That offense now could lead to jail time and a hefty fine.
The crackdown on autograph hounds comes after a tumultuous season for the star running back. Gurley was suspended for four games last season after reports surfaced that he had taken $3,000 over a two-year period from memorabilia dealers.
The legislation was sponsored by state Rep. Barry Fleming, R-Harlem, a Georgia graduate who said memorabilia dealers should face punishments for who seek to take advantage of student athletes.
State law previously only makes it a misdemeanor if someone pays an athlete to attend a specific school or if an athlete is rewarded financially for performing well.
Gurley, meanwhile, has moved on from the incident. He entered the NFL draft after the season and was taken by the St. Louis Rams as the 10th overall pick.
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