ATHENS — Compliance clearly is on the front burner for the Georgia Bulldogs. On Tuesday, UGA football season-ticket holders received their tickets in the mail along with a letter from athletic director Greg McGarity urging them to be mindful of NCAA rules.
After thanking ticket holders for their support, McGarity wrote that he wanted to address “the important matter of NCAA compliance.”
“[Supporters] can have NO interaction with any prospective student-athletes, nor can members of The Georgia Bulldog Club do anything for any current student-athletes,” McGarity wrote. “If we just remember those two things, we will go a long way in avoiding any NCAA violations in this area of our program.”
McGarity was asked Tuesday why he felt compelled to include such a letter.
“In the last year we’ve seen a lot of institutions dealing with issues and we just felt it was important for them to be reminded of the things you can and can’t do,” McGarity said. “Hopefully that way we won’t make the same mistakes some others have made.”
Several SEC teams are currently in various stages of dealing with NCAA major-infractions cases. Georgia has reported numerous secondary violations this year, but none that would be characterized as major.
Also Tuesday, Georgia announced that for this year’s Fan Picture Day, scheduled for Aug. 20, fans will not be allowed to bring in items.
“Due to recent public issues surrounding student-athlete autographs across the country, no outside items may be brought to Picture Day,” UGA announced in a news release. Fans in attendance will be given two schedule posters that can be signed.
Big John makes big play
Junior nose guard John Jenkins had the highlight of Georgia’s morning practice Tuesday when he intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown.
“[Jenkins] tipped it to himself, and then the big boy just rumbled down the field,” senior tight end Aron White said. “It was only about 12 yards, but a TD for a guy that size is still impressive. He kind of reminded me of that guy for the Packers [B.J. Raji] running for that touchdown.”
Etc.
Georgia had its first two-practice day of preseason camp as the Bulldogs held workouts at 8:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. It was a heavy installation day as they prepared for their first scrimmage Wednesday morning at Sanford Stadium. ... Cornerback Brandon Boykin (hamstring), safety Jakar Hamilton (hamstring), Tailback Brandon Harton (concussion), offensive tackle Xzavier Ward (knee) and linebacker Cornelius Washington (hamstring) remain sidelined.
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