The state of Georgia has adopted the "Todd Gurley Bill" aimed at criminalizing the act of luring student-athletes into taking benefits the NCAA deems impermissible.
According to the Associated Press, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed the bill into law Thursday after it had gained widespread bipartisan support. The bill was also given the number "3" to commemorate Gurley's jersey number at the University of Georgia (UGA).
Gurley was suspended four games for accepting cash from a memorabilia dealer in exchange for his autograph on a number of items. Rep. Barry Fleming (R-Harlem) told the AP he, like many Bulldogs fans, were infuriated when they found out the dealer was a Florida fan whose intention was apparently to get Gurley suspended.
"That's what really got most peoples' dander up," Fleming, a UGA alumnus. "I was disappointed when it happened. But I understand the young man comes from a very humble background. His mother didn't have funds to properly repair the roof on the trailer she raised him in."
Though student-athletes are must submit to strict NCAA rules banning compensation of any kind if they want to play their respective sports, memorabilia dealers, agents and other answer to no such entity. The Gurley Bill comes amid other states trying to criminalize the other participants in NCAA violations.
"We plugged it into a law about alumni being overzealous," Fleming told the AP. "Now it's a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. It can be up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
"On the civil side, the university can sue the person who does this for any damages sustained, like losing a TV contract, not going to bowl games."
Shortly after coming back from his suspension, Gurley tore his ACL and his college football career was effectively ended, as he planned to enter the NFL Draft at season's end. The all-time Bulldog great was drafted 10th overall by the St. Louis Rams, far earlier than projected.
