Todd Gurley's status is currently up in the air. (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
Suspended Georgia running back Todd Gurley returned to practice as the NCAA weighs his ongoing suspension and the Bulldogs prepare to play at Arkansas on Saturday.
A ruling from the NCAA could come any day as the investigation into a “significant case” of the sale of memoribilia brought to light last week threatens to put an end to the Heisman Trophy candidate’s junior season.
Gurley allegedly received compensation for his autograph. He could face anywhere from a couple of games penalty to the rest of the season depending on how much he profited from sale of the memorabilia.
Unlike the case involving Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M, multiple reports point to evidence obtained by the NCAA that wasn’t available in the Manziel case. Manziel served a half-game punishment last season to start the season.
Gurley was suspended indefinitely last Thursday and did not travel with the team to Columbia, Mo., where the Bulldogs beat Missouri.
Gurley obtained attorney William King, who worked on eligibility cases involving Manziel and former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. Both were reinstated after an NCAA investigation.
The university announced earlier Friday that it was paying for Gurley’s attorney, but USA Today’s report indicated that Gurley retained representation on his own behalf.
Georgia’s compliance office was informed that Gurley was paid to sign 80 items on campus last spring and the running back profited $400. The person was said to have photos and video of Gurley signing, but no photos or video showed Gurley being paid.
Manziel, now a backup quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, defended Gurley last week, saying “I feel for him.”
“He’s built an image for himself. He’s built somewhat of a brand,” Manziel said. “I feel he should be able to capitalize off it. I don’t think (NCAA rules are) going to change any time soon. … It’s an ongoing — for student-athletes — problem in college athletics.”
Gurley has rushed for 773 yards on 94 carries, an 8.2-yard average, and scored eight touchdowns this season. With a 154.6-yard average, Gurley ranks third nationally in rushing yards per game this season.
The junior is listed as the No. 1 running back prospect by NFLDraftScout.com for 2015.
