Today, the University of Georgia became yet another player in the Todd Gurley saga that no one can sympathize with. The Georgia Bulldogs sent out a statement on behalf of their athletic director; and it said…well, we’ll get to that shortly. The important thing is that they mailed it out at 5:49 PM EST. After 5 on a Friday, just like the tired cliche tells you that you should do.
Of course, it’s a cliche BECAUSE it works.
Everyone it out living their personal and social lives at that time. Before we rip the Georgia Bulldogs Athletic Department. Let’s get to the NCAA. It’s an utterly corrupt, hypocritical, nonsensical and amoral organization. And a total punchline to boot.
This is best illustrated by the fact that players can’t profit even a red cent off their likeness in any way; while the NCAA signs $11 billion television deals. So you can’t root for the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the Todd Gurley narrative.
Given what happened with Johnny Manziel last fall (the stupid b.s. half game suspension versus Rice as “punishment” for his autograph sales “scandal”), Gurley obviously knows what the rules are/were. He can’t claim ignorance on this. But he can start early on his preparations for the NFL Draft, where he’s very likely to be a high first round choice.
Todd Gurley is no sympathetic figure, as may not even be cleared to return this season. The length of his suspension will be determined early next week; according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has a reputation for being a good kid; hence this suspension shocked everyone. He just made one incorrect decision.
Another element to this story: adult autograph seekers. That phrase just says it all.
Grown up adults stalking kids in order to obtain get their autographs. Old men memorabilia collectors. Nuff said. Ripping on them is low hanging fruit. Now we move on to the statement sent out by UGA.
Here’s the statement from the A.D. Greg McGarity:
I would like to make a few additional comments about yesterday’s announcement regarding the suspension of Todd Gurley.
While we have made extensive efforts to gather all relevant facts, this is still an ongoing and obviously sensitive matter involving a student-athlete. Because of federal privacy laws, NCAA rules, and the ongoing nature of this matter, there are limits on what I can say at this time. While we unfortunately cannot get into details, there are a few things I would like to make clear to those who support the University of Georgia.
There is currently a lot of misinformation about this matter in the public domain, and many pundits are offering opinions that are based on incomplete or erroneous information.
While that is unfortunate and while we can’t control the pundits, I want to assure the Bulldog Nation that from the time this matter arose and continuing through today, University of Georgia personnel have worked tirelessly, making every effort and taking all appropriate steps to support our student-athletes and our coaches and to act in the best interests of the University of Georgia.
While the University does not tolerate any violation of NCAA rules, the University has supported and continues to support its student-athletes. As just one example, when this matter arose, the University offered separate legal counsel to Todd; the University recommended — and Todd retained — counsel with vast experience with eligibility matters; and the University continues to pay for Todd’s counsel, as permitted by NCAA rules.
We have made clear to Todd that regardless of what happens with this case, he is still a member of the Bulldog family, and we will support him in every way we can.
Rest assured the University is continuing its efforts to resolve the eligibility matter as expeditiously as possible and in a manner that is in the best interests of the University, its coaches, and its student-athletes.
We will continue our proactive and extensive program of rules education for our student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
Because of the ongoing nature of the matter, unfortunately I cannot make any more comments at this time.
I encourage the Bulldog Nation to continue to pull together during this difficult time and support all of our coaches and student-athletes as we move forward.
Okay, so if all of what’s out there is misinformation, tell us then. I understand you can’t tell us what the real information is. But why not tell us what’s false then? Hey, you made a statement, so you then you need to back it up.
Like the daily battle for TV viewers between sports talk shows Mike and Mike, Boomer and Carton, Dan Patrick and Mike Francesca, there is no one to root for in this battle. No one at all.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and very often writes The Sports Bank.net ,which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his features stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2