Somewhat unexpectedly, star wide receiver A.J. Green was held out of Georgia’s season opener this past weekend. It was assumed the reason Green was held out was due to the NCAA’s investigation into trips players had taken this past offseason and how they were paid for.
Apparently that’s not the case, at least in part.
According to the Athens Banner-Herald, Green had allegedly sold a game jersey at some point in the past and that situation is what caught up with him over the weekend. Obviously, a student-athlete selling something like is being reported is against NCAA rules and would constitute an illegal benefit.
Subsequent to other reports, ESPN.com‘s Mark Schlabach has confirmed that the issue surrounding Green involves the selling of a game-used jersey.
Gentry Estes of 24/7 Sports.com reports that the rumors making the around have the total number of dollars involved at around $1,000. Schlabach reports that it’s under that amount.
If the number is less than $1K and above $700, NCAA guidelines call for a three-game suspension. While Georgia is hoping to get word today from the NCAA regarding how many additional games, if any, the receiver will miss, the school has been given no indication which way the NCAA is leaning.
“I don’t really have a feeling one way or the other because you’re really at the mercy of the NCAA. In situations like that, you’re just waiting,” new UGA athletic director Greg McGarity said. “You’ve provided all the documentation necessary and we’re just waiting to hear.”
One big point in Green’s favor is that he’s reportedly been forthright and honest with NCAA investigators regarding the situation. That will go a long ways in the eyes of the NCAA, although how far won’t be known until today at the earliest.
My god, the kid trys to make some spending money in a sport which brings in millions for its coaches and school AND THE PLAYERS GET NOTHING!!! When I go to a game I go to see the team and players, not the big money coaches and administration. This has gotten way out of hand.
Let me get this straight. You take two paid vacations by an agent valued at $1800 and you get a two game suspension. But if you sell your jersey for more than $700 but less than 1k you get a 3 game suspension.
The lesson here you are going to get in less trouble if take money from an agent than if you make it on your own.
Let him pay the money back and play.
The NCAA and UGA makes hundreds of thousands of off selling Greens replica jerseys but it’s illegal for him to sell one himself? The players need to file a class action suit for revenue sharing from video games, television and merchandising. A scholarship isn’t fair compensation any more for the billions the schools and NCAA make off the players in football and basketball.
Predictable like a clock: “colleges/NCAA are making thousands/millions/billions/gazillions off athletes, and athletes don’t get a dime! Make college athletics professional!”
Bradenton Buc
The players get nothing?? While I see your point…don’t act like these players receive nothing…do you forget they’re receiving a free education at good academic institutions…AJ Green is going to make millions of dollars in the nfl I don’t feel sorry for him…and bofarr…every division i athlete signs a contract with the ncaa…so there goes your lawsuit idea…
Oh go to hell. If you think it’s right that a school can profit off of his jerseys but he gets suspended for selling one to some fan, you’re an idiot. This is the same NCAA that wouldn’t let that one player, forget his name, sell knit caps that he made.
What, so because Green is probably gonna make money in the NFL, he shouldn’t be able to sell his own damn jersey now? This is America man. You’re telling a kid who doesn’t have time for a job to not do what he can for some extra cash? Idiotic.
I guess “forthright and honest” is relative. He did break the rule in the first place, and apparently only owned up to it after he got caught. It is nice that he isn’t trying to stonewall or double down, but does he regret his action or does he regret getting caught. There is a difference.
And yes, even in America, there are rules. He knows the rules – not selling your stuff is a rule that is explained to these kids. These kids do get rather expensive scholarships, so let’s not pretend this is a horrible situation. Is it entirely pretty the way schools profit off the kids, or the way the NCAA is a little too tight in letting these kids make some money? Nope. I understand if you don’t like it, but it isn’t the worst thing in the world, and reflexively whining about wishing these kids were paid does not somehow transform a rules violation into a noble act.
Wow. So CMB, it’s not enough that he owned up to what he did, you want a contrite apology for daring to flout the rules of the NCAA?
Look, if the NCAA treats college football like a business and tries to monetize the game as much as possible, we shouldn’t act all shocked when a player does it too. I guess there’s a double standard when we expect the players to treat the game with reverence but allow coaches to switch jobs and leave the recruits they promised the world to in the lurch, over-offer scholarships, and so on. All those things are acceptable because the NCAA is a business trying to make money by fielding the most competitive team. But the players are supposed to be saints.
Also, I hope you realize how hilarious it is that you’re a commenter on the internet whining about how people whine.
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