A.J. Green: I sold jersey for ‘extra cash’ during spring break
ATHENS — Having served his four-game NCAA suspension for selling a jersey for $1,000, Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green on Tuesday told why he did it and how he got caught.
Green said he sold his Independence Bowl jersey to have “extra cash” during spring break and that the NCAA found out about it after asking him to turn over his bank records. He said he complied with the request.
“They had every bank statement going back to February ‘09,” Green said. “They looked and saw that [$1,000 deposit] and they were, like, ‘Hey, where did you get the money from?’ I told them. I’m not going to lie to them . . . and jeopardize my whole season.”
Green, eligible to play for the first time this season Saturday at Colorado, spoke to reporters in a UGA conference room Tuesday afternoon — his first interview since being suspended by the NCAA.
The star receiver did not deny knowing that selling the jersey was against NCAA rules, saying he “didn’t really think it through” and “everybody makes mistakes in life.”
“I broke the rule,” Green said, “and I paid my price. And I’m just ready to play again.”
He said he has never met the jersey buyer, Chris Hawkins, a former North Carolina football player, whom the NCAA considers an agent. Green said he and Hawkins communicated only through Facebook.
It also would be against NCAA rules to sell a jersey to a non-agent, but the NCAA’s designation of Hawkins as an agent might have added to the severity of Green’s penalty. Hawkins has denied that he is an agent and said that he bought the jersey as a collector.
Green said he was told the investigation started when the NCAA heard a rumor that he might have attended a Miami party sponsored by an agent (not Hawkins).
“I didn’t know anything about it,” Green said of the party. “When the NCAA told me about it, they said they heard it from [website] TMZ. [The NCAA] just heard it was a rumor, so they came down here and asked me.”
Green said he told the NCAA investigators, as he previously had told reporters and UGA officials, that he did not attend the Miami party. In the course of the investigation, he said, the NCAA asked for his bank statements, which led to the discovery of a rule violation — the jersey sale — separate from the Miami party.
“I guess when they couldn’t find [anything] on that trip, they went back and found this,” Green said.
He said the NCAA first asked him to explain the money about a week before Georgia’s Sept. 4 opener.
The NCAA declined to respond to Green’s comments Tuesday, and UGA has refused to turn over documents related to the case.
Green said the investigation was “a painful process, man. I’m not the type of guy who ever got into trouble here and stuff like that. Sometimes I couldn’t sleep just thinking about [it]. … I’m just glad that it’s over.”
Of the four-game suspension, he said: “I did something wrong. I deserve it, a penalty for what I’d done.”
Green said he had been approached about selling items before, “but I didn’t do it. But, like I said, it was spring break. So, you know, extra cash. I really didn’t think about it [being] a big deal, so I just did it.”
Georgia has lost three of four games without Green, who said the games have been “painful” for him to watch.
“I feel like . . . I caused a lot of people pain,” he said. “Because I feel like if I was out there some of the time we would have had a chance. . . . I beat myself up pretty much over that.
“But it taught me a valuable lesson. I’m growing up, and I’ve got to do the right thing.”
Georgia coach Mark Richt hopes the lesson spreads to Green’s teammates.
“I would think everybody saw what happened to A.J. and hopefully if they were in that position would not give in to whoever is trying to convince you that this is a good thing to do or that it’s OK to do,” Richt said.
Meanwhile, Green looks forward to his belated season opener Saturday.
“Now it’s about that time to show people what I was missing,” Green said. “I feel like I still got stuff to prove, that I’m behind and that I’m going to have a lot of catching up to do.”
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689 comments Add your comment
North Ave Killer Beez
September 28th, 2010
5:43 pm
I would have dont the EXACT SAME THING. If you have ever been on spring break then you know how good life can be with just a few more benjamins in your pocket
The penalty was way harsh though, hell A.J. should have went to the party too. NCAA SUCKS @SS I wonder how much they have made off his jersey? Legalized Pimpin is all that is.
UGAVIII
September 28th, 2010
5:44 pm
Don’t screw with the NCAA. They have to control the cash flow. Otherwise, the people earning the money might get some of it.
Nacho Daddy
September 28th, 2010
5:44 pm
$1,000 payments to players, wow! that’s a lot of beer, look out Athens
dawghater
September 28th, 2010
5:46 pm
59bulldawg – again for the old and slowwwww! If you don’t want to abide by the NCAA rules then don’t play. I know that’s pretty simple and for a simple mind like yourself it’s still hard for you to understand. He got caught, he didn’t turn himself in! I never said all the NCAA rules were fair. The fact remains if you want to play then you play by the rules of course unless you play for UGA. It’s obvious CMR’s kids don’t like to play by they rules, hence 10 arrests and counting!
RAMBLE ON!!!
September 28th, 2010
5:47 pm
Really, Really?
My bad, I’ll take your word for it. If anyone is an expert on cheating, it has got to be a UGA fan.
I do think A.J.’s punishment was a bit extreme and he has been very professional (no pun intended) handling this punishment. I also think he’s the best player in the SEC (maybe Ingram is better). I will be glad to see him go pro.
Athens Comet
September 28th, 2010
5:47 pm
We are reaping what we sewed of a corrupt and inept orgainization. T
Just Saying
September 28th, 2010
5:50 pm
Do you think any players arer “FLOCKING’ to Georgia Bulldogs games, Check this link out..
http://www.tidesports.com/article/20100928/NEWS/100929593/1233?Title=ANDREW-BONE-Top-recruits-flocking-to-Saturday-8217-s-game
Bottom Dwellers
September 28th, 2010
5:50 pm
In 7+ months, you’ll never have to worry about money ever again as long as you don’t blow through it. Get a trustful financial advisor.
Paul in RDU
September 28th, 2010
5:51 pm
Hopefully AJ can put this behind him and have a good season (what’s left of it).
I do have to wonder if the NCAA went fishing after they found that Green was not associated with the agent’s party in Miami or whether someone ratted him out.
Watch Mark Richt's man boobs on the on the highdive
September 28th, 2010
5:51 pm
Who is this kid fooling? Last time I checked UGA football players have carte blanche when it comes to spring break. They are lucky if they ever drop a dime.
Players always have access to women, the parties, free plush beach palace to crash, free beer (or if in Green’s case–all the Hennessey and Colt 45 you can drink).
Green is prime example of the thug product of the Richt era
Booby's booger finger
September 28th, 2010
5:52 pm
Hey UGA fans, what’s up with the song: ” I’ve been working on the railroad” after every score ??
Boca Baby
September 28th, 2010
5:53 pm
5150 P.O.A.D: UGA doesn’t make enough money to pay the players? Where then did they get the 65 million in cash in the bank? You might want to say that “most schools” don’t make enough money to pay players.
Boca Baby
September 28th, 2010
5:56 pm
Booby’s booger finger: That is a good question if the band is playing that tune since it is the same tune as “The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You”
5150 P.O.A.D
September 28th, 2010
5:57 pm
Who thought MV7 could blow through all the Up Front Cash he was paid?
AJ to show how much UGA means to you why don’t you take a chunk of the Money you make next year and give it to an Academic Scholarship in your name at UGA.
DAWG07
September 28th, 2010
5:57 pm
If he had received $2K would have recieved 2 game suspension like the Alabama player. Strange. Hope AJ will return next year and rectify the error. I hope so.
aj green
September 28th, 2010
5:58 pm
Dear coach richt:
Do you really think I have any respect for you or this team? I am just a selfish bull dyke trying to make my own money.
I could care less about about you, this team or the entire bull dyke nation.
aj
ps. I am going to sell my red panties next. I’ll get paid extra for the skid marks too.
Booby's booger finger
September 28th, 2010
5:59 pm
Bugs Bunny doesnt sing “The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You”
Really?
September 28th, 2010
6:00 pm
RAMBLE ON!!! – Not a UGA fan I just have this thing called the internet. It is pretty sweet. You would be surprised what kind of information you can find on this thing. You should try it. So next time when somebody tells you something rather than make fun of that person you can use the internet to verify if what they say is true or not. Or you could just continue to be an ignorant Tech fan. I have a feeling you will chose the latter.
Paul in RDU
September 28th, 2010
6:00 pm
Interesting that Hawkins made contact with AJ through Facebook – I wonder if Marvin Austin introduced them?
5150 P.O.A.D
September 28th, 2010
6:01 pm
Bocca Baby: UGA doesn’t have ENOUGH money to pay all the Athletes on all the sprots teams. If you pay one you have to pay them all. Go to the UGA site and look how many Athletes are on rosters. do some math and you will realize the players can’t be played as long as Title IX exists.
Welcome Back
September 28th, 2010
6:03 pm
@5150 P.O.A.D
Buddy, what is your deal. You are 50. Get a life, wife or a hand. To still hate UGA like a schoolboy, you must be a true loser. I never post on the GT sites, but see you know the Shamburgers, etc., They are far better than u.
Dwayne
September 28th, 2010
6:06 pm
They would not have gotten my check book. I would of gotten a lawyer and had it bragged out in court. With no proof comes no suspensions. The Nazi NCAA needs to be investigated by congress, heck, if they worry about PED’s in baseball…..
Boca Baby
September 28th, 2010
6:08 pm
5150 P.O.A.D: UGAAA had a profit of 7 million this past year. They donated 2 million to the University. Would it cost more than 2 million to pay the players? Or 7 million for that matter?
Chester Gunn
September 28th, 2010
6:09 pm
Why doesn’t the AJC interview the jerk who bought the jersey. I would like to hear what he has to say.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 28th, 2010
6:09 pm
D wayne where would AJ get the money for a Lawyer? Remember his family is poor and he is poor.
You sir are stupid as explained on this blog. AJ had to let the NCAA do what they did because he joined the NCAA to play football. If AJ didn’t like the NCAA rules he didn’t have to play a College sport and pay for college on his own.
Dan Mullen
September 28th, 2010
6:11 pm
5150 P.O.A.D is another mutt LOSER
dawgfan
September 28th, 2010
6:11 pm
First its the bogus excessive celebration penalty last year and now this for AJ. Plus, he gets the pleasure of enduring racist “thug” comments from haters. I would be shocked if he stayed around for another year of this crap. I’d be on the phone with agents right now if I were him. Why the hell not?
Boca Baby
September 28th, 2010
6:11 pm
The bottom line is a stipend of some sort is in order for college athletes. The NCAA needs to wake up and smell the Starbucks.
GA Dawg
September 28th, 2010
6:12 pm
http://pricezack.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/can-georgia-win-a-championship-with-mark-richt/ This was written two weeks ago and really does make some good points about Mark Richt. I am not sure who the author is, but he challenges a tough question for uga fans. Would you rather win with a slim ball, or lose with Richt?
Police
September 28th, 2010
6:14 pm
Lock up AJ Green
5150 P.O.A.D
September 28th, 2010
6:14 pm
Boca Babythere are 232 players on the rosters of just the Baseball, M Basketball, M Cross Country, and Football teams. How much will you pay each player per semester? I didn’t include M/W Golf, M/W Swimming, M/W Tennis, M/W Track and Field, W Cross Country, W Equestrian, Gymnastics, W Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, and W Basketball. Please do the math and tell me how much can UGA pay the players where it will really make a difference. I will let you count all the players on UGA team rosters and you can get back to me.
Boca Baby
September 28th, 2010
6:15 pm
GA Dawg: I rather have Richt than Wallace Butts. You be the judge of who the slim ball is or was.
Police
September 28th, 2010
6:15 pm
Mark Richt’s Thugs are on the loose
5150 P.O.A.D
September 28th, 2010
6:17 pm
Dan Mullen another Kartina Refugee POS still in Atlanta. Move back to the Septic Tank called NOLA. I am a Tech fan by the way.
BIG TECH FAN
September 28th, 2010
6:17 pm
The NCAA has the right to check these kids bank accounts?! This is bullcrap!!! I will never ever let my kid accept an athletic scholarship from these people!!!
Dwayne
September 28th, 2010
6:17 pm
Why would you revert to name calling? He could get a lawyer and pay him back based on future earnings. People fight bureacracy everyday.
Boca Baby
September 28th, 2010
6:17 pm
5150 P.O.A.D: If the truth be told some of these kids cannot even afford a new toothbrush. The NCAA makes billions off these kids. Now talk to me about justice you moron.
Dwayne
September 28th, 2010
6:20 pm
They are going to need a lawyer any way.
Dan Mullen
September 28th, 2010
6:21 pm
5150 P.O.A.D Georgia Tech SUCKS TOO LOSER
5150 P.O.A.D
September 28th, 2010
6:21 pm
JUSTICE? Life ain’t fair boo hoo. JUSTICE like J.O. Got right? If the kids want to make money they don’t have to play a sport controlled by the NCAA. There are plenty of Club Sports on campus if the student can pay for college on their own.
Summit Dawg
September 28th, 2010
6:21 pm
Hey AJ…..
If you are really sorry……then come back for your senior year!!!!!!! Bet you don’t have THAT MUCH LOYALTY!!!!!!!!!
dawg from a distance
September 28th, 2010
6:22 pm
It is not logical to pay the players. Only a few teams were not in the red last year across the collegiate landscape. Add stipends to every athlete for every sport and you have a financial nightmare. Not possible.
Their education is more than enough. Get real
5150 P.O.A.D
September 28th, 2010
6:22 pm
When are we are going to talk about michael vick
Dwayne
September 28th, 2010
6:22 pm
I say pay a “TEAM” based on the revenue they generate.
dawg from a distance
September 28th, 2010
6:23 pm
Don’t want AJ back for next year. We need to move past this cancer.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 28th, 2010
6:23 pm
DAN TECH sucks so bad we beat MSU the last 2 years in a row now didn’t we? Go cheer for the cow bells and the Aints.
Dan Mullen
September 28th, 2010
6:23 pm
5150 P.O.A.D what are you doing on this blog anyway you yellow jacket loser
Dwayne
September 28th, 2010
6:23 pm
Vick is doing well for my Eagles. Enough said.
dawg from a distance
September 28th, 2010
6:24 pm
I was a huge AJ fan until he took the it’s all about “ME” approach.
I like the shirt that ole Erk used to wear. There is no “I” in TEAM. Seems to be forgotten in this day and age. +
Dan Mullen
September 28th, 2010
6:25 pm
5150 P.O.A.D This is my second year at MSU you loser, you punks only won one time