Georgia lawmakers on Friday stepped in to try and prevent another debacle like the one that sidelined former University of Georgia running back for four games last season.
House Bill 3 — which just happens to have been Gurley's uniform number — stiffens penalties for anyone who enters into a contract with a student-athlete if that person or company knew the transaction would jeopardize that athlete's scholarship, eligibility or amateur standing.
The offense could lead to jail time and a $25,000 fine.
The state currently 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.
The NCAA suspended Gurley for four games in 2014 for accepting money from memorabilia dealers.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Barry Fleming, R-Harlem, a UGA graduate, passed 145-27 and now goes to the Senate.
About the Author
