Report: Former UNC player, considered agent by NCAA, bought Green’s jersey
The person who paid Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green $1,000 for his Independence Bowl jersey is a former North Carolina football player whom the NCAA considers an agent, ESPN.com reported Thursday night.
Chris Hawkins identified himself in Facebook messages to Green as a financial advisor and memorabilia collector, according to the report, which cited unnamed sources.
The report quoted Hawkins as saying: “I didn’t come at A.J. like a marketer or an agent. I’m not an agent. I talked to him about ‘Good game this’ and ‘Good game that.’ I wanted the jersey because I collect jerseys.”
Green was suspended for four games by the NCAA on Wednesday for violation of the organization’s rule against accepting benefits from agents.
Georgia is appealing the decision to the NCAA Division I Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement in hopes of having the length of the suspension reduced. The appeal is expected to be considered next week. Green is not eligible to play during the appeal process.
Hawkins, a former North Carolina defensive back, is “at the center” of an NCAA investigation into alleged rules violations in the Tar Heels program, ESPN.com said. According to the report, a source said Hawkins contacted several sports agents about their interest in representing North Carolina players in the NFL draft.
The NCAA defines an agent as “any individual who markets or promotes a student-athlete.” According to the facts of the case submitted by Georgia to the NCAA, Green sold the jersey “to an individual who meets the NCAA definition of an agent.”
It also would be against NCAA rules for a student-athlete to sell memorabilia to a non-agent.
“It’s in a frame in a basement right now,” Hawkins said of Green’s jersey, according to the report.
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346 comments Add your comment
macrotech
September 10th, 2010
1:51 am
Coach Friday, THAT would have been penalized, too. Green has gotten shafted on this entire ordeal…. many players sell the ‘gifts’ that they get from their bowl games every year. Suspension for 4 games is extreme and, as a Tech fan, I hope that Green is reinstated sooner! He’s a great athlete and college football is less without him. LET THE MAN PLAY!!!
Paul in RDU
September 10th, 2010
1:58 am
It’s about to get really nasty in Chapel Hill. According to Schlabach, the agent/runner associated with Green is close to plenty of UNC players and Baddour just admitted that the academic misconduct could go back a year or more
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/09/09/672431/baddour-uncs-academic-issues-older.html
Why does anyone believe this garbage?
September 10th, 2010
2:00 am
macrotech…since you think it is okay for players to sell stuff, we can set up a booth after the games and have the players sign sweat bands, helmet and jerseys they just wore in the game. That is so idiotic…do you not get it. These agents are pumping money, and anything they can into these kids wallets at every turn…
We can also go ahead and let the MEMPHIS Three go while we or at , or how about the Courthouse shooter..heck let the illegals stay here and work and send all their money back to mexico….this is nonsense….these kids have to be smart enough to walk away and stop being so damn greedy….there is not a kid on UGA, Tech, or any other SEC,ACC team (upper classmen) that spends their housing allowance on housing, unless they have wealthy parents…that is pre-arranged free money for the athlete which is around 2500.00 per month…
Get real..
SEC Fact Checker( the real one)
September 10th, 2010
2:03 am
Paul in RDU,
I just read that also. This is going to be alot of trouble for Butch Davis. You know as well as I that when Mack Brown had his heyday in Chapel Hill that he was running the same game…but he was smart enough not to get caught…..
AllenWaters
September 10th, 2010
2:12 am
So DaPrick beats up a person and plays first game! TN will get theirs. Let us focus on SC and who is playing, not who isn’t! UGA fan in India. Captain Allen Waters
Paul in RDU
September 10th, 2010
2:19 am
SEC Fact Checker – It’s not looking good for Butch. You should see some of the comments Roy Williams is making – basically saying that the b’ball program has had no contact with the tutor. No prizes for guessing what he is really saying
OtisforUGA
September 10th, 2010
2:20 am
The NCAA needs to repeal the suspension to 1 game! Let him play Sat!! If we lose that game because he didnt play- that will be a bunch of BS!!!!! We have a chance to win the SEC East (we will beat FLA) This game is pivotal!
Paul in RDU
September 10th, 2010
2:23 am
Looks like Tenn has a few problems as well
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5552505
Some lame name here
September 10th, 2010
2:51 am
The NCAA and the schools are the pimps and theyndon,t even have to pay the ho,es
Disgusted Fan
September 10th, 2010
4:34 am
I think its time this A.J. Green story is put to rest. Why not just
offer opinions about your favorite team`s performance on the
field and leave the off-field antics to play out as they should. Not one single comment on any blog will have any effect on the outcome of any
NCAA action taken.
GTMom
September 10th, 2010
4:38 am
College athletes (especially football players) are given the chance at a 4-year education (which according to the UGA and GT website is about $20,000/yr in state and $38,000/yr out of state), free tutoring, access to healthcare, the chance to prove that they can play at the next level, etc. etc. so don’t even talk about the so-called “plantation mentality.”
I work for a company. The company pays me for my time/talent/effort. The company makes a big profit because of me (and my coworkers). I like my job and am proud of what I do. Does this mean I have the plantation mentality?
If these over-indulged spoiled athletes don’t like the system in college athletics, they are free not to participate. They can take out student loans, work part-time jobs, etc. like the rest of the student body and graduate $40,000 (or more) in debt. That’s the way that free enterprise works!
Lisa
September 10th, 2010
5:05 am
Big Dog…They do receive compensation. They get an education with room, board, meals and tutors.
Uncle Sam
September 10th, 2010
5:28 am
Wonder if he declaired the 1,000 on his tax return as compensation. F the NCAA, bring in the IRS on Green and that Bas ar d Hawkins.
What?
September 10th, 2010
6:03 am
What part of “It also would be against NCAA rules for a student-athlete to sell memorabilia to a non-agent.” did Green NOT understand. Why should anyone feel sorry for him. Quit making these 18-20 year olds out to be something they are not. Poeple know right from wrong and if they do something against the rules then they should pay for it. I’m not saying the NCAA doesn’t have it’s issues but don’t think they are out to get anyone like UGA or others. That’s just ludicrous. The UGA program like many others have gone buck wild. Man up to the issues at hand and do something about it.
GT4Ever
September 10th, 2010
6:07 am
OtisforUGA
September 10th, 2010
2:20 am
The NCAA needs to repeal the suspension to 1 game! Let him play Sat!! If we lose that game because he didnt play- that will be a bunch of BS!!!!! We have a chance to win the SEC East (we will beat FLA) This game is pivotal!
If you lose to USCe without Green then you have bigger issues than whether he plays or not.
Agent
September 10th, 2010
6:22 am
Green is already mentally in the NFL. He is just getting through the season, trying not to get hurt. Four games off is just fine with him. UGA might get something from him, I doubt it though.
Greg P.
September 10th, 2010
6:23 am
Didn’t they learn anything from selling the bowl rings from a few years ago?
robinhuud
September 10th, 2010
6:24 am
I lived in Atlanta for 20 years and it always amazes me how all you Georgia fans love to always blame someone else for your problems. From Larry Munson on down, every time you are behind in a game it is a injured player or a bad referee call or whatever. You never can take responsibility for your own shortcomings. How many times do you idiots think the Coaches tell these dumb athletes to stay away from situations like the one Green is in, or not to drink underage, or drive without a license. Wake up; even though these are kids, they are not 9 and 10 years old; they are college age kids and its time they made responsible decisions. He had to be an idiot to think what he did was legal. No he knew it was illegal but he thought he would not get caught. He should be suspended for the whole season. Get a life.
barrack
September 10th, 2010
6:38 am
This is all George W. Bush’s fault.
boo boo
September 10th, 2010
6:43 am
Green listened to a great financial advisor.
This story is getting stale.
NikkiFree
September 10th, 2010
6:46 am
To all you folks who keep saying “A.J. broke a rule and he should pay for it”. WELL…DUH!!! WE KNOW THAT!!! The dispute is the length of the suspension. A 2-game suspension would have been more than fair. Four games is way overboard.
AJ Blue
September 10th, 2010
6:48 am
very simple… the guy broke the rules. in fact, the rule had been modifedb/c of other uga football players who decided to sell their sec championship rings… yes, the athletes should be paid, but there are many more issues in the world.
scrimmage
September 10th, 2010
6:52 am
GTMom,
1. When are they supposed to work? In between the practice, training, classes…? Most of the year they’re not even allowed to work?
2. There’s no student loan for kids on full tuition/board scholarship. There are need-based grants, but they are not much. I know players who’ve applied for student loans and have just been laughed at.
Learn the facts first. I’d be frustrated, too, if I were among the poorer kids on campus and could see how much $$$$ was being made off my name.
dawgfan13
September 10th, 2010
6:53 am
Bruce Mac you are right man! Its a shame that oissues like this get all the pub when Georgia is abpout to take on a Eastern Division rival. The shame part of all of this is whether or not Marlon Brown will finally be what we thought he was when we recruited him! These players are suppose to be stepping up. All the 4 or 5 stars mean nothing if you cant play when the whistle blows. All of the other receivers have to step up and play now. I didnt see a lot of passes to the tight end in the firstgame which tells me Georgia will throw to Aaron White and Orson Charles a lot Saturday. I actually think Branden Smith is the second best receiver oin this team. they will have to use him a lot.
RomeDawg
September 10th, 2010
6:55 am
EVERYONE makes Green off Green except Green. Hypocrisy at it’s finest! College football is nothing more than indentured service for the NFL.
Douglas
September 10th, 2010
7:01 am
It amazes me some of the comments you folks make about A.J. when you do not really know him. I’m a UGA alum who has been living in Summerville for a year. One of my friends, a coach, and his wife helped A.J. when he was in school: they said he worked hard on his academics, always sought out help when he needed it, and was one of the most humble people they have ever met. Yes, he made a mistake but some of your comments about him being selfish, etc. are out of line.
OB-1
September 10th, 2010
7:07 am
All you SEC homers, using logic I first gleaned reading your comments in the GT blog we will take a quick look at Miss State and the SEC; Miss St. loses to Jax St. 49 – 7 and barely loses to #20 Auburn 17 – 14 sooo using the homers logic then Jax St. would beat Auburn and be 2-0 in the SEC and be in the SEC title hunt. Right?
jasont13
September 10th, 2010
7:11 am
OB-1-Miss State did not play Jacksonville State. So not sure what point your trying to make.
jasont13
September 10th, 2010
7:12 am
University of Mississippi lost to Jacksonville State 49 to 48. Not sure where your getting your information but I can tell you this. Its wrong!
Dawg_Mike
September 10th, 2010
7:18 am
Somebody please wake me up when this drama is over. How many more times to we have to endure the same tired story? Lets just play the damn games.
dd
September 10th, 2010
7:18 am
Hey Robinhuud, What program are you a fan of?
You didn’t name who you pull for.
It must be squeaky clean. Why don’t you mention it?
Bamabaelle in GA
September 10th, 2010
7:19 am
hey dawgster….I’ll answer for Roll Tide…..We don’t need Cam Newton.
It’s very simple.
AltamahaDawg
September 10th, 2010
7:22 am
It does matter folks. All those of you claiming this was just some payola from an agent are dead wrong. I doubt this guy is going to be the one negotiating AJ’s NFL contract do you? Pimping his jock strap, maybe. As it was obvious 2 days ago, UGA believes they have something TO appeal. Lying to the NCAA, taking bribes from an agent, and tossing him an meaningless shirt as a front, are NOT very strong cases to march into “court” with. Nor would that publically be trying . As its stands AJ broke a rule. A rule BTW simply made up by men who try to figure out how best to play a pretend game. He didn’t break a law, he didn’t snap some body’s neck. The details matter because we are dealing with rules of a game, suspensions from a game, and he(UGA) needs to try to get him the best possible outcome within those rules, to get back to the game. THUS the appeal, and it sounds like it should be successful.
Then his coach and teammates can handle letting them down, as that is the only morally wrong thing he did. There is the life lesson. But, the issue of the day is a rule that somebody makes up to play a game.
mike
September 10th, 2010
7:24 am
So much hate for AJ who brought lots of money to GA as all athletes who look like him. Everybody making money but the athletes. Go to the pros AJ when the season is over with and forget about these hating morons on this site. When you stand in line at the bank cashing that first big pro check, these morons will still be hating on another college athlete who the college and NCAA will be making more money off.
NCAA
September 10th, 2010
7:37 am
Let me see, GT and UGA started the SEC. UGA has 12 SEC titles or a share there of. GT has 5 SEC titles or a share there of. While GT was in the SEC GT had more SEC titles than UGA. UGA has 12 titles in 76 years, uck! Coach Bryant’s biggest fear was Playing GT. Playing against intelligent football players really scared him. But when Bryant and UGA coach Butts were caught trading plays on the phone so AL cold run up the score on UGA making AL look good better then they were to have a chance at the National Championship, something had to happen. The SEC did nothing. So GT left the no class conference. I agree 1,000 for a UGA Jersey is a bit exaggerated. Go ahead, BLOG and bitch but it makes not difference, History is History that cannot be changed.
BIgPrune
September 10th, 2010
7:45 am
The rule he supposedly broke was for violation of the organization’s rule against accepting benefits from agents. If he did this then yes he needs to be punished. But he sold it to a collector not an agent. He doesn’t deserve this. But 4 GAMES! Are you F%^&*@# serious. Completely ludicrous. There is no proof said person who bought the jersey is even an agent. WTF Man!
DawgNation
September 10th, 2010
7:46 am
NCAA,
….making AL look good better….but it makes not difference…?
Now your post was just painful to try and read. Proof read before you hit that send button unless that is the English you picked up from your school.
light
September 10th, 2010
7:55 am
Let God will be done thru this blog http://lightoftheearth.blogspot.com/
Russ for President
September 10th, 2010
8:05 am
If every coach had to kick every kid off their team that made mistakes then there would be no football ever. People make mistakes and if you guys think it’s so easy for coaches to be everywhere all the players are at all times keeping them honest then I guess you think there should be no crime in the world. I see these kids sitting in meetings being told not to talk to agents and instead this guy was a Facebook firend who “collects” jerseys. That’s all he was to AJ. AJ’s Father is out of work I guess a $1000.00 is a lot to him. All you who say you have inside info are full of it. This was nothing more that some pimp praying and trying to be-friend AJ and telling him that all was OK. Seems like he has fooled a few other players. It’s like telling kids not to talk to strangers but they do it anyway.
RHALL55
September 10th, 2010
8:06 am
“Let’s play the GAME!!!!” From previous comments:
!) How many other scholarship players does UGA have? “Move on and play the GAME!”
2) SC is missing an OT, a DT, a TE, a CB, their best SPUR, and their leading tackler from last yr: LB: play the GAME!
3) We are getting back an OT, a WR, a RB, and ptentially a great special Teams player; play the Game!
4) Just win baby, win!
Bulldog Fan
September 10th, 2010
8:13 am
Throw the NCAA in jail and throw away the key. NCAA has less integrity than lawyers and politicians combined
Statemen
September 10th, 2010
8:17 am
The NCAA feels it has egg on its face after the Reggie Bush fiasco they totally whiffed on. Now they’re determined to get a handle on it and they’re making a statement with Green because he’s the most high profile player in this whole thing. They’ll probably make this stick for a few more days and next week quietly reduce his suspension to 2 games. This is all about making a statement. Green messed up and got caught and is now being made as an example.
virginia dog
September 10th, 2010
8:17 am
Where is the NFL. They have to step up. If the NFL would simply ban these types of individuals from representing players for 3-5 years this would stop. As we are now all we are doing is forcing the guilty players to turn pro and it allows the guilty agent to pocket 10%.
gt
September 10th, 2010
8:21 am
There are thousands of buyers on Ebay, why does the path run through this guy? This is a clever way agents have of entering a player’s life. That is why the NCAA has rules, the NCAA is not as stupid as Tony B. or a few other bias observers would have you believe. If this had happened to Steve Spurrier or Florida there would be a love fest for the NCAA. With all this cheating the Dawgs still can’t win the SEC, go figure.
T4Buzz
September 10th, 2010
8:23 am
Green is trouble. Let him do his punishment, I’m sure it won’t be the last time he gets diciplined for something. Georgia has got to stop recruiting these “My SAT was a whopping 900, but I’m goin to the NFL” dumbasses.
A player who looses or gives up his scholarship should be pay it back in full, because we all know that atheletes are barely students.
There is a serious problem with athelete integrity on the UGA football team. That comes from not having a tough enough coach. Maybe Mark Richt needs to sit out some games too!
Sautee Dawg
September 10th, 2010
8:25 am
I have my A. J. Green jersey hanging in my closet. Got it at UGA bookstore for $50.00. It’s game worn, I wore it to the Auburn game last year and the Kentucky game. NOT FOR SALE.
Mine don’t have a name on the back.
VixDawg
September 10th, 2010
8:25 am
Can someone get an address on this chump?
Marvin Mangrum
September 10th, 2010
8:33 am
Someone ought to track this pimp down and then show him pain. Beyond livable pain.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
September 10th, 2010
8:35 am
This article is the crux as to why UGA will never win another national championship. There is far too much emphasis on 1 player as opposed to a team mentality. CMR should be 2 to 3 deep on the playchart to replace Green, but no dice.
In addition, the media is not helping the cause, because they are driven to make money and these type articles to drive readership. Someone needs to step up and forget all this political correctness crap and hammer this program. It needs to be gutted and overhauled…but then again every other coach in the SEC loves this program, because it is becoming an automatic in terms of winning.
UGA is the new MSU, Vandy and KY of the SEC.
Damon Evans
September 10th, 2010
8:37 am
Any nice young women with panties out there looking for fun this weekend in Buckhead?