The NCAA has released it’s decision on the investigation into wide receiver A.J. Green, and it’s a serious blow for both the player and the Georgia football program.
According to a press release issued by the school, Green, who had already sat out the opener, will miss an additional three games in accordance with a ruling handed down by the NCAA student-athlete reinstatement staff.
From the release:
The university declared the student-athlete ineligible for violations of NCAA agent benefits rules. According to the facts of the case submitted by Georgia, the student-athlete sold his Independence Bowl game jersey to an individual who meets the NCAA definition of an agent. Green has repaid the $1,000 value of benefits to charity. According to NCAA rules, an agent is any individual who markets or promotes a student-athlete.
The university plans to appeal the decision to the Division I NCAA Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. Per NCAA rules, Green would remain ineligible until the conclusion of the appeals process.
Both Green and head coach Mark Richt released statements regarding the NCAA’s decision.
“I want to apologize to my coaches, teammates, and the Georgia fans for the mistake in judgment. I very much regret all that has taken place and the distraction that’s been caused. I’ve learned a valuable lesson and hope others can learn from my mistake. I can only focus my attention now on practicing and looking ahead to getting back with my teammates as quickly as possible.”
“Certainly I’m disappointed with the outcome. However, we have games to play and that’s where our focus needs to be in the coming days and weeks. Other players will have to step forward and I’m confident they will do that.”
If an appeal is unsuccessful, Green would be eligible to return Oct. 2 versus Colorado, meaning he would miss SEC games against No. 24 South Carolina and No. 14 Arkansas as well as Mississippi State.
The loss of Green, especially for the first two conference games against ranked opponents -- not to mention the Bulldogs on the road in the third game -- is a huge blow to the Georgia offense and simply cannot be overstated. Green has led the Bulldogs in receiving each of the past two seasons and is once again a runaway favorite for first-team All-American honors.
Georgia will be able to put another player in his spot for the next three games, but there will be almost no way to replace his production. Or the pressure he puts on opposing defenses just by being on the field.
