NCAA rules spell out potential Gurley penalties
If the NCAA determines that Georgia running back Todd Gurley received impermissible benefits, the length of a suspension likely would hinge on the value of those benefits.
NCAA Bylaw 12.1.2.1.6 sets specific guidelines for such penalties:
1. Value of the benefit ranges from greater than $100 to $400 = withholding of 10 percent (of games) and repayment;
2. Value of the benefit ranges from greater than $400 to $700 = withholding of 20 percent (of games) and repayment;
3. Value of benefit ranges greater than $700 = withholding of 30 percent (of games) and repayment.
Barring other circumstances that might add to the penalty, the guidelines indicate a suspension would range from one to four games if a player receives benefits worth more than $100. In a 2010 case involving five Ohio State players, for example, a fifth game was added to the suspensions. A particularly substantial case could result in loss of eligibility for the remainder of the season.
Check back later today for a Q&A on other aspects of the Gurley case.
About the Author
Tim Tucker, a long-time AJC sports reporter, often writes about the business side of the games. He also had stints as the AJC's Braves beat writer, UGA beat writer, sports notes columnist and executive sports editor. He was deputy managing editor of America's first all-sports newspaper, The National Sports Daily.
