NCAA rejects appeal of A.J. Green suspension (updated)
(Last updated 10:15 p.m.)
Georgia will have to play without star wide receiver A.J. Green for two more games, including Saturday’s against Arkansas in Sanford Stadium.
An NCAA committee Friday rejected Georgia’s appeal of the four-game suspension handed Green last week for selling his Independence Bowl jersey for $1,000 to a person the NCAA considers an agent.
Georgia had hoped to have the suspension shortened, but the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, after hearing the appeal by conference call Friday morning, informed UGA officials late in the day that the original penalty will stand.
That means Green, who sat out Georgia’s first two games, will remain sidelined for the crucial game against No. 12 Arkansas and the Sept. 25 game at Mississippi State. He’ll be eligible to return for the Oct. 2 game at Colorado.
While the original suspension was imposed by NCAA staff, the appeal was heard by a committee consisting of officials from colleges and conferences across the country. The committee rejected Georgia’s appeal without public comment. The ruling was disclosed by UGA on Friday evening.
“We respect the committee’s decision and will focus on moving forward,” athletic director Greg McGarity said in a statement.
The NCAA’s investigation of Green, a junior who is widely projected as a high NFL draft pick if he turns pro next year, began in July as part of a series of probes at a number of schools into dealings between football players and agents.
The NCAA said last week that “according to the facts of the case submitted by Georgia,” Green sold the jersey to “an individual who meets the NCAA definition of an agent,” later identified as former North Carolina football player Chris Hawkins.
The NCAA defines an agent as “any individual who markets or promotes a student-athlete.” Hawkins has denied being an agent. It also would be against NCAA rules for a student-athlete to sell memorabilia to a non-agent.
Georgia has declined to release the “facts of the case” or other related documents. In response to an open-records request from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, UGA said it would not release the documents because doing so “would directly identify one particular student,” Green. The university said that would violate a federal law protecting student education records, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Green’s four-game suspension has drawn criticism from some Georgia fans because of another recent case in which Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus received a two-game suspension for accepting about $1,800 in benefits from an agent. In that case, the NCAA said Dareus received a two-game ban, rather than four games, “based on mitigating circumstances.”
Another recent case, involving Middle Tennessee State quarterback Dwight Dasher, resulted in the same penalty as Green’s. The NCAA on Thursday suspended Dasher for four games for accepting $1,500 in “an impermissible loan from an individual in the community.”
Asked for comment on Friday’s ruling and the reason the appeal was denied, NCAA associate director of public and media relations Stacey Osburn said by e-mail “we do not have any further to share” beyond confirming the decision.
Georgia coach Mark Richt had held out hope that the appeal might put Green back on the field for Saturday’s game, but Richt said several times this week that the coaches were preparing the game plan on the premise that Green would not be available.
In a statement after Friday’s ruling, Richt said: “Our concentration is the same as the last two weeks, which is preparing for the next game. We’ll look forward to A.J.’s return for the Colorado game on Oct. 2.”
Green, who can continue to practice with the team during the suspension, was not available for comment.
His teammates were hoping for, but not necessarily expecting, good news on the appeal.
“It’s not something you can bank on because you never know,” tight end Aron White said at mid-week. “We’ve been preparing to where if he comes back great but if he doesn’t we’ve got to still go out and get these games. We’re still the Bulldogs, with or without A.J.”
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704 comments Add your comment
Delusions of grandeur
September 18th, 2010
12:19 am
Dawgs are going to have to score a lot more than 6 pts to beat Ryan Mallet who probably has the best overall receiving corps in the sec. Hogs win this one comfortably. Their defense isn’t that great but neither is the dog offense. Lost in the hoopla of the Lafayette win was the fact that the dawgs only rushed for 3 yards a carry in that game.
Monkey says:
September 18th, 2010
12:20 am
okay my last post of the night..just to make more dog fans happy…
GT 45 UNC 42 in OT
Clemson 38 Auburn 33
Alabama 48 Duke 17
Texas Tech 31 Texas 30
Florida 40 Tennessee 10
Miss St. 38 LSU 24
VT 35 ECU 17
and the drum roll please……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Arkansas 41 UGA 27…
UGA has 5 turnovers leading to 23 points by Arkansas
90,000 plus fans leave the stadium unhappy and 81,000 leave with time still on the clock in the 4th quarter….
BY 7:15 p.m. there will be 417 uga bloggers calling for CMR to be fired, resign, quit, and of those 417, 209 will want Muschamp to be the next head coach to bring some grit and attitude back to Athens. By 3:10 a.m. a UGA player will have been booked into the Clark County Athens jail…
Razorbacks
September 18th, 2010
12:20 am
Danny G Don’t think your mind is right. Dawgs beating them hogs not going to happen..
The comment about the Powerhouse hogs right on target…Be on the look out for GREG CHILDS…
With that I leave with this note…PIG SOOOOOOOOEEEEEE
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
12:22 am
Roy Wood and how much does GAA make off the same players? If the GAA cared about UGA then much of the money they make would go back into the UNIVERSITY for teacher pay and better classroom facilities. Don’t call out the NCAA when the UGA Alumni Asso does the same damn thing. In 09 UGA had like 2675 mBlack students out of the 30 something enrolled student population. How many of the UGA Blacks students didn’t play some sport. Get over yourself. UGA is a FINE Southern Plantation acting as an Instution of higher learning. Damn I just threw-up a lil in my mouth just typing that.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
12:25 am
Go MONKEY you forgot the # of Date rapes and girlfriend abuse charges against UGA male students on campus.
Monkey says:
September 18th, 2010
12:26 am
Good Night all..need to get some sleep so Erin Andrews is in focus a 9 a.m…and what a way to start any man’s day…….does anyone think Desmond has hit that…..Herbie is too much of a woosie and I bet Lee has tried…..
SonofaDawg
September 18th, 2010
12:30 am
Monkey says, your taste is questionable, Erin Andrews is not that attractive
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
12:39 am
Erin ani’t that HOT but she is a FAMOUS Noth to hang on trhe bedpost for sure.
Paris Hilton got a yr probation and 200 hours community service. That sounds about right and AJ should be happy too with his penality. I guess AJ will leave his jerseys in his loocker and Paris will just party in Hilton Hotels.
AJ let the TEAM down
September 18th, 2010
12:41 am
Since AJ let the team and fans down – why doesn’t go ahead and leave UGA and get ready for next spring’s NFL draft. He has said before that he WILL go in the 1st round. So go ahead and leave.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
12:42 am
Notch & the.
Monkey says:
September 18th, 2010
12:42 am
Erin Andrews beats the hell out of Beano Cook first thing in the morning…
Meyers said he was upset with players getting into trouble….just to put the cherry on top of that problematic GATOR PROGRAM….
http://www.ajc.com/sports/former-uf-broadcaster-gets-616117.html
Now it is bedtime…
Truthiness
September 18th, 2010
12:44 am
Can’t imagine that Green has his eyes on anything now but getting to the NFL. He’ll miss four games in his last college season. His legacy is tainted. The offense will continue to stumble. The team is headed for mediocrity. Why would he put his NFL prospects in further jeopardy at this point. Too bad. Would have been nice to have had him making a contribution.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
12:48 am
How did AJ let the fans down? He did let down his team, but Fans are nothing. Don’t live throught these kids. I love my time at Tech games spent with my dad in his later years. I used to carry a Tech Football loss with me all week until the next game. Now, I just want to go to Tech home games and see a win and enjoy an afternoon or Thursday Night with my dad cheering for the young men on the field to play good and be safe.
I do have fun on the Blogs poking fun and talking crap, but it is just for fun.
I would never hope a player or student from any school to not do their best in all aspects of their lives.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
12:48 am
After the BEANO gass pill it is hard to think of Beno Cook and not laugh.
michael
September 18th, 2010
12:53 am
the NCAA is a bunch of dickheaded bitches!!!!… of course they are gonna reject it because the NCAA hates georgia! but yet bush takes money from an agent and gets his only 2 games suspended!!!!! … go to hell NCAA!!!!!
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
1:02 am
Mike it is OK. The Refs hate UGA. The NCAA hates UGA. The Clarke County Hate UGA. The UGA cops hate UGA football Players. Damn. I bet if you go to the Hung province in China they hate UGA football too. It is not your players fault. The Deck is just stacked against jesus “RICHT” and the UGA football players. Don’t worry when they all get to heaven jesus “RICHT” will welcome them with open arms and forgive all their sins. He will have to SLAP DAMON EVANS for picking an UGLY white to F…Up his life over but then jesus “RICHT” will hug Damon and give him 72 virgins to make it all better.
AJ let the TEAM down
September 18th, 2010
1:08 am
To Embarrassed UGA Grad – you state for the posters “Do NOT spoil the image of the University and our alumni.” with our posts. Heck – UGA Thug players have already done that. Not the posters on this or any other board.
Melodie
September 18th, 2010
1:16 am
Hey to my Georgia brethren – I am an Alabama alum and I think A.J. Green has been hosed. These kids are tempted everyday by agents, money , etc., They have come from poor families, have faced many adversities and situations. I think the NCAA goes too far on many a judgement. I don’t agree with the suspension either, but quit bitching about Marcell Dareus’ case. We ALL need to get on the same wavelength here and reel the NCAA in on some of this crap. We would all benefit from it.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
1:20 am
Melodie how would you benefit from reeling in the NCAA?
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
1:22 am
I am sure if we find a way to disband the NCAA all the Ticket prices will go down. All the Cups, Hats, and Jerseys will drop in price too.
Gamec0ckmike17
September 18th, 2010
1:24 am
Steve “The King” Spurrier, you are a cruel SOB, but dam_n funny as he_ll. I love it. Keep up the good work. Bash these poddle doggies with a baseball bat. It is Super Chicken Time. Get used to it. Your Old enemy is back. Spurrier! C0ckadoodle Doo. _itches.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
1:27 am
To steal a great piece mof advice from a great man (Sgt Mjr Richardson of the 5th Ranger Battalion) told us. “Give me an AK-47, a good dog, and a nymphomaniac that owns a liquor store and you will never hear from me again.”
Atomic Dawg 22
September 18th, 2010
1:34 am
AJ has been a model citizen at UGA the kid made a bad decision. Remember he verballed to UGA his sophmore year and never swayed. Hes a good kid, he will make us proud when he gets to the league…………………….HES NOT REGGIE BUSSHH PEOPLE
Douglas
September 18th, 2010
1:41 am
I cannot believe UGA’s attorneys are not suing the NCAA…this does not make sense at all nor does it seem equitable. They need to be held accountable.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
1:46 am
How much money have Stafford, Ward, and Pollack given back to UGA on the Academic side? Why do you think Green will make you proud just because he Pimped UGA as much as UGA pimped him? AJ is 22 yrs. old and a Jr. he would be a 23 yr.old Sr and still doesn’t have a degree. You should be PROUD as a Dawg fan of what AJ has done in his college career.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
1:51 am
DOUGLAS you don’t sue because you are STUPID. AJ broke a rule even a high school kid that follows college football knows. CRY CRY CRY ith NCAA is against the DOGS, The Police in Athens are against the Dogs. Everybody is against the dogs. OH the horror. How can UGA ever win when so many of the ENEMY are against the dogs.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
1:53 am
UGA is a white girls college with a few black boys that play football on Saturdays.
drbasic1
September 18th, 2010
1:55 am
5150 P.O.A.D
I as a Ga alum do see your post are all in fun and i can appreciate that. You have gained my respect by your comments about wishing all these kids no ill will in real life. I hate Tech just about as much as every other Ga. lover, but again it is all in fun. You sir are a good man, and i honestly believe alot of these people here really do want these young men to get hurt or have their lives ruined over football, something we ALL enjoy every fall! Luck to your jackets at UNC, but just as us, it ain’t gonna be easy!
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
1:59 am
TY I am watching the Gainesville N. Hall game replay on DirecTV form ch 2. Chip Towers is doing a good job. Be safe if you go to the games.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
2:02 am
I give sTURDavent a hard time but really because I want the young man to do well in life and not be so crippled from playing College football. I know he has a HUGE upside, but I don’t think his body will ever allow him to play in the NFL.
joe
September 18th, 2010
2:06 am
“Danny G Don’t think your mind is right. Dawgs beating them hogs not going to happen..
The comment about the Powerhouse hogs right on target…Be on the look out for GREG CHILDS…”
LOL! Powerhouse hogs? What a riot. You’re program hasn’t done crap since joining the SEC. Same with South Carolina. Oops! South Carolina has never done anything.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
2:13 am
Joe what is the line from the great B-52’s song Love Shack? The TIN ROOF RUSTED! That sounds like the UGA football program. McGarity will fix it and Bobo will be coaching at Chastain Park next year.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
2:15 am
I know it is late but have any of you football fans seen some of the High School Football scores? Damn, there a lot of teams with 45+ points.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
2:21 am
The Doctor gave me a script for ambien, but I would still be half asleep when I was at work or driving. I hope none of you people suffer from insomnia. You can laugh all you want, but not being able to sleep is not a good thing. After being awake for 2 or 3 or 4 days it is not a good thing.
distant dawg
September 18th, 2010
2:46 am
There is no excuse. AJ knew better and is paying the price for his mistake and unfortunately it is hurting the whole team. Maybe, just maybe these modern day athletes will learn there are consequences to decisions.
Go DAWGS play out of your minds and beat Petrino led Razorbacks.
what a late night jerk
September 18th, 2010
2:47 am
5150 go to bed or waffle house but leave the computer screen….
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
2:52 am
Late Night Jerk? No, I like the slow pull. I am watching the Gainesville v N. Hall replay with Chip Towers. Did you see the High School Football Scores? Ther are a huge number of teams that scored mor than 30 points. Did the whole state of GA forget how to play Defense?
what a late night jerk
September 18th, 2010
3:01 am
McEachern won big and that is all I am concerned about getting ready for the DAWGS to roll tomorrow!
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
3:10 am
Who is the Big Indian Player headed to college? What schools are stalking your McEachern players? I will be right across the street from the school on Sunday. One of moms Sunday school friends wants me to build a fence for her.
JT
September 18th, 2010
3:12 am
Valdosta 64 Brunswick 62 OT
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
3:36 am
126 points in a high school game? DAmn, where are the Bulls on Defense?
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
4:09 am
Where are the UGA tailgaters? I know you are parking in an Athens parking lot and starting to drink and cook the eggs. What time are you going to run the red panties up the flagpole and start smoking the Pig & the maryjwanna?
BoWeevil
September 18th, 2010
5:12 am
Georgia tek
Just how bad are they ?
Kansas LOST again. Recall that Kansas LOST to North Dakota State. Kansas then beat Georgia tek. Kansas then LOST to a team whose only win of the season is over Praire View. I did not even know there is a Praire View, or a North Dakota State.
This is not right!!!
September 18th, 2010
5:59 am
Ryan Mallet record on the road is only 30% the dawgs need to play on that, they can still win this come on dawg fan let not count them out yet. we have won game last year without we can do this year. People need to chill out, Aj green made a Mistake and the 4 games is not right but we have to deal with it. but don’t be everything on Aj. Come on dawg fan we have to stand behind them. the wishy washy fans make me so mad either you love UGA or you don’t. Rickt is a good Person and a Go Coach, he has been working to beat the Razorbacks all week and their D is not as everytone says either and the only game they have played have been TN tech and LL_ Monre high school teams!!! we have a good change to beat them here but dawgs need to get behind them GO DAWGS TAKE IT TO THE HOGS!
indianman
September 18th, 2010
5:59 am
the ncaa has is flavors it like ever body has
GaTruth
September 18th, 2010
6:10 am
MAN UP AJ – You should come back for your senior season if you have any character. You hosed your teammates, coaches, and fans; and, you screwed yourself out of the Heisman. Have some real man class and come back for another year. Prove you are not just one more over-indulged punk.
DAWG-GONE
September 18th, 2010
6:29 am
Did he LIE??? The supposed agent sure does have a lot of shady ties to shady characters. FELONY DRUG CHARGES. Caught while transporting drugs from Florida to N.C. More to this story than meets the eye.
BoWeevil
September 18th, 2010
6:46 am
Kansas
?
Kansas, Georgia tek ?
stan
September 18th, 2010
6:55 am
you people need to get a grip . hes gone anyway end of season.
BoWeevil
September 18th, 2010
6:56 am
Georgia tek’s football team is a JOKE