UPDATED: Georgia LB Jarvis Jones cleared to play by NCAA
ATHENS – Georgia not only got good news from the NCAA regarding the eligibility of Jarvis Jones, it got it fast.
Jones, a sophomore linebacker from Columbus, was determined to have not violated any NCAA rules and therefore will be eligible to play every game for the Bulldogs this season, UGA confirmed on Tuesday. Georgia received the news from the NCAA on Monday night, exactly one week after filing the report on its internal investigation with the SEC.
“I think the NCAA is making a concerted effort to turn things around as quickly as possible,” Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We’ve been hearing in these various meetings they were going to try to do a better job of that. So we’re just thankful NCAA was able to do that in this case. Whether the decision was up or down, we’re able to move forward now. At the end of the day that’s all schools want.”
Last year the Bulldogs had to wait until the second week of the regular season to learn from the NCAA that wide receiver A.J. Green would have to sit out four games for violating NCAA rules. UGA held Green out of the first game on its own.
“I appreciate the work of our compliance office for its time and effort in providing a thorough, comprehensive report and I’m thankful for the timely manner in which the NCAA reviewed and evaluated all the facts to reach a decision,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said in the statement. “We’re ready to move on with preparations for our season opener.”
Richt was not made available to reporters on Tuesday.
The NCAA’s decision is significant for Georgia as it prepares to open the season against a pair of highly-ranked opponents. The Bulldogs open against No. 7 Boise State on Sept. 3 in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, and follow that with a home tilt against No. 12 South Carolina in Athens.
Jones, a sophomore linebacker from Columbus, is slated to start at strongside linebacker for Georgia. He was having his eligibility reviewed after a police investigation into alleged corruption within the Columbus parks and recreation department revealed an administrator had provided benefits to him and basketball signee Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the summer of 2009.
Jones’ relationship with that administrator, Tony Adams, was the center of UGA’s investigation. Adams reportedly paid for four flights for Jones to and from Los Angeles in the summer of 2009 as well as some other benefits. At the time Jones was a freshman signee at Southern Cal.
In its investigation, Georgia was able establish that Jones’ legal guardian, Shelley Stephens — who also worked for the rec department and flew with him to LA — had been in a long-term relationship with Adams.
“Based on the information that we reviewed, it was interpreted that it met the four-pronged test of an established relationship,” UGA compliance director Eric Baumgartner said.
The main criteria for meeting the stipulations of NCAA Bylaw 12.1.2.1.6 (preferential treatment, benefits and services) is that a relationship was established before a prospects ninth-grade year.
McGarity said Georgia has not yet completed its investigation of Caldwell-Pope. The five-star shooting guard from Greenville allegedly was using a cell phone that was paid for by Adams.
“We’re still processing that case,” McGarity said. “Jarvis’ situation was a little more urgent.”
Jones transferred to Georgia from USC — where he played in eight games as a true freshman — last summer and sat out per NCAA transfer rules. He’s a former AJC Super 11 player who was rated among the top linebackers in the nation.
Jones has not been available for comment but Tuesday night he addressed the news on his Facebook page. (Edited) “The right support, great mentors, friends/fans. I’m so grateful for everyone that’s in my corner. I put my trust in a higher power and not in man. No stressing, just hard work and dedication. Stand up Bulldog Nation, we have business to tend to. — #29″
Georgia launched an internal investigation earlier this summer and turned over its findings to the SEC office on Aug. 2. UGA declined the AJC’s open records requests under the Freedom of Information Act to view that report under the claim that the document was protected by a federal law protecting the privacy of students. The AJC disputed that claim.
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305 comments Add your comment
Shortdog
August 9th, 2011
4:00 pm
Jarvis will definitely be an important asset to the defense this year. Columbus is well represented, especially Carver High!! C-Town baby
big john 360 lbs
August 9th, 2011
4:07 pm
Sign of good things to come!
The Truth is,,,
August 9th, 2011
4:15 pm
This year, new Texas Longhorn Malcolm Brown is that freshman.
drbasic
August 9th, 2011
4:16 pm
@Boise in ATL
You show some class, imo, your thoughts on this football blog are appreciated, you at least speak with sense, good fodder for thought. I enjoy a football conversation and by golly we all can agree to disagree. You are the exception to the norm on here.
Biggdawgk
August 9th, 2011
4:16 pm
That boise state blog should provide some good bulletin board fodder for UGA’s locker room not that the Dawg’s will need any incentive to get up for the game or the season. On paper bsu looks tough but then again they did last time we played as did Hawaii and their world beater qb.
CHDawg
August 9th, 2011
4:20 pm
CDawg,
Funny. That goes to show you that all fans are biased for their team, but good for them. Everybody has to respect what BSU has accomplished in the last few years, with a bunch of 2 and 3 star recruits! We find out the reality in a few weeks. But, look at our 4.5/4.6 220-240 lb LBs compared to the 6ft 190lb 4.9 Kellen Moore for an example. His line better block as well as that blogger thinks they can–he can’t run from them, and he sure isn’t going to run them over! He isn’t big enough to take a hit. I would be scared if I were Kellen Moore. I’m sure he isn’t scared, but I certainly wouldn’t be going into this thinking it would be an easy win like the blogger recommends…
Palmetto State Dawg
August 9th, 2011
4:22 pm
Nothing could be finer, I’m not a big fan of Bobo but I like the rest of our coaches. Grantham and Olividotti are both proven NFL guys. Our problem last year on defense was transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4. I look for our defense to be better this year, and back to the type defense that it was in the early and mid 2000’s. I live in Columbia and hear all I want to hear about the Chickens. Like i said, you better do it this year because your window is closing faster than you may think. Grantham is recruiting guys that he wants specifically for the 3-4 defense UGA’s defense will be nasty next year and the years after that.
Paul Johnson Mammographer
August 9th, 2011
4:24 pm
Boise State is A LOT better than Hawaii. Do not fall into that trap of comparing then two teams. Apples and oranges my friends.
Hit A Single
August 9th, 2011
4:29 pm
After that disaster at the Liberty Bowl I don’t think anybody with a G on their helmet can overlook anybody. And after watching inside Florida Football Camp on ESPN teams better get ready because they will be well coached and Muschamp is on a mission. I really look for the Dawgs to rebound this year and it will all go back to leadership. Gimmicks and talk won’t beat anybody. Heart and effort will! Go Dawgs!!!!!!!
Columbus
August 9th, 2011
4:45 pm
Great job NCAA. This did not seem like a big deal from the beginning but you never know with the NCAA! Thank goodness for the personal relationship!
tp1
August 9th, 2011
4:50 pm
A relationship can mean long time friend, not necessary an affair, don’t get it twisted.
Columbus
August 9th, 2011
4:53 pm
Teams better look out for the Dogs in 2012. Dawgs are HUNGRY! Hungrier than in years. Richt will reap hat he has sown this year. Watch. God will nover leave you nor forsake you and just when it looks the darkest, is right before the dawn. Richt hung in there, had faith, persevered all the arrests, injusries, suspensions, players laeaving early, losing so many close games, so many penalties, having a losing season. He weathered the storm, kept his faith and his confidence that it would all be OK. Went on mission trips, selling his lake home to show God’s love to the least of us. He kept the faith and NOW he will reap what he has sown and UGA will be the beneficiary. God is faithful. If you do not believe that, watch the next 3 years. How many of these 4 and 5 star recruits would have come to UGA without Richt to begin with? Many would have went elsewhere. Lemay, Drew, Mitchell for sure. Thank God for Mark Richt. You might be about to witness a “miracle season”!
ZinoDawg
August 9th, 2011
4:54 pm
After that totally gutless and uninspired effort against UCF I am staying in my cage with my tail tucked until I see something on the field in September. I won’t be swayed by the hype this year.
That long flight home from Boulder is still in the back of my head also. Ouch!
I-DOG
August 9th, 2011
4:55 pm
Boise in Atl:
Fair comments. I think the answer is that we don’t know how good UGA is going to be, but we know that Boise will be well coached and well prepared. The Dawgs D could shut down Boise or it could go the other way, we will certainly know in a few weeks.
The same goes for the UGA offense against the Boise D., we just don’t know. UGA could run wild passing and throwing or it could go the other way. I think one of the biggest keys to the game is the number of plays Georgia runs on offense. If we only get 60 plays, I am concerned. If we sustain the drives, I truly believe we can wear Boise down. I hope we don’t throw a lot of deep passes on 2nd and 8 and that we try to at least get 2 first downs and maybe get in field goal range for our excellent kicker.
Agree that playing this one as the opener favors Boise. Even if UGA wins the game, I would project that UGA will improve more throughout the season than Boise will.
heeldawg
August 9th, 2011
4:56 pm
Jarvis will be All-SEC–and not just eventually, but possibly THIS YEAR. A huge positive event for the Dawgs! Now, if we can just stay focused…and avoid injuries….
I-DOG
August 9th, 2011
4:58 pm
Moleman:
True, Jarvis hasn’t played a down for UGA yet, but he is the better player according to the coaches and Chip’s view as well when compared with Chase Vasser (the guy who would likely play if Jarvis couldn’t.
Being able to start Jarvis (who may or may not be a star) and having Vasser be a solid backup is better for UGA than if he were to miss the key first couple of games with a suspension.
This is very good news for UGA.
DawgsOnline » Jones decision a big shot in the arm for Georgia’s defense
August 9th, 2011
5:09 pm
[...] not used to good news on the NCAA/compliance front, so we had to read it a few dozen times. The AJC reports that linebacker Jarvis Jones has been cleared to play and will not have to miss any games as a result of an investigation into possible improper [...]
HardTruth Soldier
August 9th, 2011
5:32 pm
It’s amazing all the Haters from North Avenue Trade School, and Hillbilly U, and a sprinkle of the Univ of Spurrier Convicts that stay on the Dawg Blog.. Stop hating and know this, BCS Champs in 2011. If you smeeeeeeellllllll what the Dawgs are cooking.
shane#1
August 9th, 2011
5:43 pm
Good news for the Dawgs from the NCAA. What a change! Now if Murray isn’t kidnapped by South Malukan terrorists and Friend gets the O linemen suits of chain mail for practice uniforms the Dawgs should be in good shape. Coach T will like the chain mail idea, should really toughen the guys up and get them in shape. Of course, after wearing suits of armor in the Dog Days those guys will be 6′6″ and weigh 150 pounds, but they will be in shape.
MD
August 9th, 2011
5:52 pm
One thing to note about JJ, he started for Big USC as a freshman. He may not have played a down for UGA, but he’s played for school that pumps out NFL linebackers and was a force. UGA’s recruiting class may not have been much last year, but picking him up was by far the biggest get in 2 years. This is the best news of the summer, along with having no news on arrests.
LakeDawg
August 9th, 2011
6:08 pm
I looked over this situation and never saw any violation, but others convinced me that the NCAA
LakeDawg
August 9th, 2011
6:14 pm
I looked over this situation and never saw any violation, but others convinced me that the NCAA would find improper benefits. I was resigned to at least a 1 game suspension, more probably 2 games. Glad to see that there is some common sense at the NCAA. I agree with the NCAA’s mission and always cheer when they nail cheaters, but I had become concerned that they had become a bureaucratic machine that wanted to send a message, the facts and kids involved be damned. Great news!
@MD
August 9th, 2011
6:29 pm
UGA’s recruiting class may not have been much last year
You living under a rock?
doug dawg
August 9th, 2011
6:30 pm
i just love the gt trolls remarking on uga’s schedule. who do you play the first two weeks, and afterwards, for that matter? that’s the joke by the coke. you play no one of any consequence at all until you play the dawgs, and still you will lose five or six games. get off our parade. go home, if you have one. oh, forgot, it is a long ways to india or wherever.
Tampa Gator
August 9th, 2011
6:36 pm
Gators are growning “Vampire Energy” Teeth down in THE SWAMP…..and are getting ready to spill some “Red and Black” in JAX in November. Wow…..”Red Panties” last year and “Vampire Energy” this year……maybe you all can come down dressed all in black with vampire teeth……and really scare some Gators again. Ooooooooooooo….watch out for the Vampire Energy suckers………and the morons, idoits, and trolls, too. They are all after ya!
John Brantley
August 9th, 2011
6:42 pm
Yeah, I know, I am a Gator troll, moron, and idiot. But at least I am not turning in any of my teammates in for the Vampire Energy board. I am instead playing a fun game of pool with them.
John Brantley
August 9th, 2011
7:14 pm
I sure hope my center can snap me the ball this year
Amazing pace. | Get The Picture
August 9th, 2011
7:15 pm
[...] remarkable part about the Jarvis Jones news isn’t that he was cleared – hey, we were overdue for a little good news – but how [...]
WDE
August 9th, 2011
7:21 pm
Jarvis will be backin up ginst the Boise boys. Wait and see
Crime Dawg
August 9th, 2011
7:24 pm
But UGA’s owner’s (Sonny Seiler) daughter is part of most prominent criminal network in GA’s history. Whatchya say about that, whatchya say about that?
Search on ’scopolamine’ and ‘island’.
drbasic
August 9th, 2011
7:29 pm
@ tampa gator
Why is it you have a problem with the energy vampire thing? It worked for Mike Smith and the Falcons. You stated somewhere you grew up in Georgia or was a dawg fan or something along those lines then moved to Tampa. You suddenly are no longer a dawg fan and become a gator follower? Seems kind of bandwagon to me, just saying. After the first 2 games and Georgia wins, will you be back on here stating some sort of dribble? After the Dawgs kick the gators a$$, are you going to change your name to Tampa Dawg? I ust don’t understand how you could have been a dawg fan and change, only bandwagoners seem to do that? Not really jumping you, just curious
Jordan
August 9th, 2011
7:43 pm
http://isportsweb.com/2011/08/09/uga-lb-jarvis-jones-cleared-to-play/
ARdawg
August 9th, 2011
7:57 pm
Nothing could be finer.
There were a number of teams that didn’t have a problem stopping it last year. Auburn stuck it in you and broke it off. You should be the very last to be on this blog making such claims. You come across as an idiot. Nobody will take you seriously.
PowerDawg
August 9th, 2011
7:58 pm
Told ya!
ugab
August 9th, 2011
7:58 pm
Great News for the Dawg Nation!!! It has been a few year since the dawgs have had any good news. This is a start! Go find someone to hit, Jarvis!!! On the field that is
SUFFOLKDAWG
August 9th, 2011
8:16 pm
News outta Gville is Charlie Wiess will coach from the pressbox. A constant supply of hotdogs, nachos, and cotton candy for the Lard A$$
SUFFOLKDAWG
August 9th, 2011
8:19 pm
I kid because I care… I really hope both UGA and UF are better than last year the SEC East needs both of these programs to return to form.
Dawgs Blow out boise!
August 9th, 2011
8:24 pm
Relax Dawg fans—with jarvis on D and Crowell and Murray lighting it up on O, Ga beats boise state easy. Ga’s tough game is the next week against USC.
John Brantley
August 9th, 2011
8:27 pm
drbasic…..
Most of my post….lie the Vampire thing….are all in fun.
Firstl, I have family connections to Georgia….my sister attended there. But I also grew up in South Georgia and followed the Bulldogs first under Butts and then Dooley as a kid….my older brother played against Bill Stanfield in basketball when he was at Cario HS….and two of my high school mates…who were seniors when I was a freshman in HS….played and started as bookend guards on the OL at Georgia….and I followed them through their time there, cheering them on…..until I went to Florida and became a Gator….but continued to cheer them on when they didn’t play the Gators). After high school, I received a scholarship to attend the University of Florida and graduated from there….and therefore am now a Gator. But my fondness for Bulldog football is still within me and a part of my immediate family (sister)……after the Gators of course…….but sometimes them as my 2nd favorite school is challenged by some of those who come on hear and post things that are downright juvenile, rude, and insulting. Therefore, I sometimes come on and poke fun at those types….but more often than not try to post intelligent things about what I read and think….both about Georgia and Florida…..and the SEC in general. GO SEC. GO GATORS. GO DAWGS unless you are playing the GATORS.
TampaGator
August 9th, 2011
8:36 pm
drbasic….
Sorry….I forgot to switch back from John Brantley (used for that follow up post earlier for effect) to TampaGator.
SUFFOLKDAWG
August 9th, 2011
8:41 pm
Tampa usually has good insight into both programs. He tries to be civil, as I do until some assclown from the other school says something either totally off the wall or negative.
college is forever
August 9th, 2011
8:42 pm
http://www.collegelunchboxes.com Go Dawgs!!
heeldawg
August 9th, 2011
9:54 pm
@Crime Dawg:
I’ve known Sonny Seiler’s daughter on St. Simons since the 1960’s. She’s a fine person, and certainly no criminal. The website you reference was clearly written by a person who is not sane.
Bdawg
August 9th, 2011
10:04 pm
Mole Of a man, you seem to know a lot about GA traditions…hmmm
And, gt4ever, you tell ‘em big guy… LOL
Hit A Single
August 9th, 2011
10:30 pm
If the NCAA digs deep enough, I believe they will find that the Alabama situation is similar to the Ohio St. one. Hard to believe kids signed for nothing, especially the way kids are nowadays.
CharlesFosterK9
August 9th, 2011
11:41 pm
Before his injury, Jarvis was projected to be the next great USC linebacker in the line of Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews Jr.,Junior Seau, Clay Matthews Sr., Rod Martin, Chip Banks, Willie McGinest, Jack Del Rio, Duane Bickett, and Lofa Tatupu.
Thomas Brown
August 10th, 2011
12:43 am
Chip,
You asked why include this ?
“NO interaction with any prospective student-athletes, nor can members of The Georgia Bulldog Club do anything for any current student-athletes”
For myself, I obviously knew about not doing anything for our players, but no interaction with any recruit, I don’t guess even I still do not understand. We are not allowed to say to a recruit the facts as we see it, facts we can clearly prove our points on that would help him decide that we need him.
If you want to know the truth, Greg needs to tell us that all even again, and this time be more specific than just all caps on NO.
This is great news on Jarvis Jones. The other benefits must fall under the category that his legal guardian was sleeping with Adams or something like that when Jarvis was still in the 8th grade. It also serves as a grim reminder to Georgia tek the difference in UGA and tek, and that is very clearly that Georgia tek does all it can do to hide EVERYTHING from the AJ-C and the NCAA while UGA just said, here it is. Print it, post about it, make a decision, and let us know either way – just tell us quickly. He obviously had benefits and that normally affects the athlete whether in this case it was when he was at Southern California whom the NCAA already burned with an NCAA Probation for just such actions by their supporters. Adams is not a good person from what I have gleaned of him. And, Jarvis Jones certainly had other benefits given to him with monetary value.
Very concerned that there was no Summary Judgment likewise on such an important member of our basketball team Kentavious Caldwell-Pope; as these 2 athletes are in my opinion 2 of the most important for both our football team and our basketball team. I don’t think anyone would guess that what Adams did with either was not wrong. The question I still have is, what does this mean no interaction with any recruit. Because I am a season ticket holder, I cannot say anything to any prospective recruit.
This is just not clear. Sorry.
UGA hires heavy-hitting NCAA attorney for represention on Jarvis Jones, other cases | UGA sports blog
August 10th, 2011
6:02 am
[...] certainly worked in UGA’s latest NCAA case. Georgia hired Glazier to investigate claims that Jones, an all-star linebacker from Columbus, had [...]
Esteban
August 10th, 2011
8:20 am
This is EXACTLY the same thing as the Cam Newton situation! Especially if JJ is as good as all of you Dawgs say he is… Hello Pot, this is Kettle….
aprilglaspie
August 10th, 2011
8:37 am
Where’s Mr. Columbus Insider information, with all of that tip of the iceberg garbaaazh?