Georgia running back Todd Gurley will apply to have his NCAA eligibility restored in hopes of playing for the Bulldogs again this season.
The star tailback has been indefinitely suspended by UGA since Oct. 9 as it investigated allegations Gurley accepted payments in exchange for autographing merchandise for memorabilia dealers. UGA has completed its investigation and said in a statement Wednesday morning it plans to submit the necessary paperwork “later today” to have Gurley’s eligibility restored by the NCAA.
“I want to thank the University, coaches, teammates, and the Bulldog Nation for their patience and support,” Gurley said in the statement released by UGA. “I take full responsibility for the mistakes I made, and I can’t thank the University, my coaches, and teammates enough for supporting me throughout this process. I’m looking forward to getting back on the field with my teammates.”
Sources familiar with that process said schools typically receive a ruling from the eligibility committee within 24 hours of making a request. However, there is also an appeals process if an institution does not agree with the ruling.
“We don’t know,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said when asked how long he expected the process to take. “We can’t control the NCAA and when they get us information. We’re hoping we find out as soon as possible. We’d like to know if in fact Todd is going to play against Florida. We’d like to know that early enough to prepare for that. We’re hoping for a relatively quick turnaround here, but I have no idea how long it will take.
The NCAA is already well-versed on Gurley’s situation. College athletics’ ruling body has acknowledged that it has been in communication with the Bulldogs on the matter and UGA officials met with members of NCAA’s eligibility staff on Oct. 15 when they were in Indianapolis for an infractions hearing involving the men’s swimming program.
Gurley, a 6-foot-1, 226-pound junior from Tarboro, N.C., continues to lead the SEC in rushing with 773 yards and 8 touchdowns despite missing the Bulldogs’ last two games while suspended. In his absence, freshman Nick Chubb has started at tailback for Georgia. Chubb rushed for 345 yards and three touchdowns in SEC road games against Missouri and Arkansas. The No. 9-ranked Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1 SEC) won those games 34-0 and 45-32, respectively.
The university statement is as follows:
Since completing its initial review of the eligibility matter involving UGA student-athlete Todd Gurley on October 9, the University has been supporting Todd and cooperating with his legal counsel as they review the matter.
Todd has confirmed his desire to seek reinstatement, and the University fully supports Todd’s request. The University plans to file the necessary paperwork with the NCAA later today.
“I want to thank the University, coaches, teammates, and the Bulldog Nation for their patience and support,” Gurley said. “I take full responsibility for the mistakes I made, and I can’t thank the University, my coaches, and teammates enough for supporting me throughout this process. I’m looking forward to getting back on the field with my teammates.”
Gurley’s attorney, William King, said, “Todd has taken responsibility for his actions and is ready to rejoin his teammates. The University has been great throughout the past two weeks and has done everything it can to support Todd. I would especially like to thank President Morehead, Greg McGarity, and Coach Richt for standing by Todd.”
The University hopes for and expects a prompt ruling by the NCAA so that Todd, his coaches, and teammates can adequately prepare for our next game.
About the Author
