Todd Gurley Suspension Upheld For Saturday Road Game vs Arkansas, Will Not Travel Either
ByThe University of Georgia (UGA) is holding running back Todd Gurley out of Saturday's road game against Arkansas and will not allow him to travel with the team.
A UGA representative confirmed to ESPN that Gurley, suspended indefinitely amid allegations he accepted payment for his autograph, did not travel to Arkansas Friday. Saturday's SEC showdown will be the second consecutive that Georgia is without their star tailback.
"Today, President Jere W. Morehead, J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Greg McGarity, and other University of Georgia representatives met in Indianapolis with the NCAA Committee on Infractions to discuss the ongoing case of the UGA head swimming and diving coach," the university said in a statement on the Bulldogs' official website Thursday. "While in Indianapolis, Georgia representatives also met with the NCAA eligibility staff regarding the ongoing matter involving Todd Gurley."
Claude Felton, senior associate athletic director for sports communications at UGA, told ESPN on Friday only that Gurley did not travel with the team. The NCAA said Thursday that they are working with UGA to resolve the autograph investigation.
Under NCAA rules, Gurley was ruled ineligible for being suspected of taking improper benefits as a student-athlete.
Georgia beat Missouri handily last week 34-0 with Nick Chubb taking 38 carries for 143 yards and Brendan Douglas sharing the load with 13 carries and 65 yards. However, the Bulldogs' backfield goes hardly any deeper with both Gurley and Keith Marshall inactive.
Ranked 10th in the nation, Georgia can still punch their way into the inaugural College Football Playoff conversation, as they are currently leading the SEC East. The team is also boasting a stout defense to compliment their strong rushing attack.
If Gurley is reinstated and returns to the field, Georgia looks to boast a formidable backfield and their schedule is soft the rest of the way, save for their matchup with Auburn.