After offering some confusing statements regarding Todd Gurley’s eligibility status heading into Saturday’s game against Arkansas, Georgia coach Mark Richt took to Twitter on Thursday morning to clear the air.
In so many words, Richt said he doesn’t expect Gurley to be on the plane when the Bulldogs depart for Little Rock on Friday.
Gurley is in the second week of an indefinite suspension by UGA. The school is investigating his relationship with memorabilia dealers and trying to determine whether he broke NCAA rules regarding improper benefits.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s senior leadership, including President Jere Morehead and Athletic Director Greg McGarity, were in Indianapolis on Thursday for a long-scheduled hearing before the NCAA’s committee on infractions over the violations committed by swim coach Jack Bauerle.
While there, they also met with members of the NCAA eligibility staff to discuss the Gurley case.
“While in Indianapolis, Georgia representatives also met with the NCAA eligibility staff regarding the ongoing matter involving Todd Gurley,” UGA reported in an emailed statement. “There is no new news at this time and no further comment is necessary.”
The NCAA also issued a statement on the situation on its official Twitter feed, @InsideTheNCAA.
“Regarding Todd Gurley’s eligibility, the NCAA is continuing to work with Georgia and is awaiting the school’s request for reinstatement,” it said.
That is significant in the NCAA’s clock for deliberating Gurley’s eligibility doesn’t start until it receives the findings of UGA’s investigation. People familiar with the process have told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution it takes at least 24 hours for the eligibility committee to render a decision. Based on that and with the work week ending, it would appear Gurley’s situation would remain unresolved into next week.
