from ajc.com---
NCAA rules A.J. Green must sit out four games
4:35 pm September 8, 2010, by Tim Tucker
ATHENS – University of Georgia wide receiver A. J. Green must miss four games before being eligible to play again, the NCAA ruled late this afternoon.
Green was found to have violated the NCAA agent benefits rules by selling his Independence Bowl game jersey to an individual who meets the NCAA definition of an agent.
Green has repaid the $1,000 he received for the jersey to charity.
Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said the school plans to appeal the decision to the NCAA Division I Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement in hopes of having Green’s suspension reduced.
He sat out last week’s season opener against Louisiana-Lafayette and also must sit out the next three games if the NCAA ruling stands.
As is procedural in matters such as this, the school declares the player ineligible and the NCAA determines how long he must sit out and the conditions of his return.
UGA released a statement from Green shortly after the NCAA decision came down: “I want to apologize to my coaches, teammates and the Georgia fans for the mistake in judgment. I very much regret all that has taken place and the distraction that’s been caused. I’ve learned a valuable lesson and hope others can learn from my mistake. I can only focus my attention now on practicing and looking ahead to getting back with my teammates as quickly as possible.”
Said Georgia coach Mark Richt: “Certainly I’m disappointed with the outcome. However, we have games to play, and that’s where our focus needs to be in the coming days and weeks. Other players will have to step forward and I’m confident they will do that.”
The SMART era CONTINUES!!!!!!
