Investigation ongoing, Jarvis Jones’ eligibility remains intact — for now

Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones could very well have his eligibility stripped away for the 2011 season.

But, for now, he’s an active member of the Georgia Bulldogs and expected to play a major role at outside linebacker this year.

There’s still no official word if the NCAA is investigating Jones’ eligibility following a police report that Jones received impermissible benefits from a state Parks and Recreations officer who also had ties to Jones’ former AAU basketball team, the Georgia Blaze.

Still, it appears Georgia is doing its background checks.

“I would say that we’re doing our due diligence internally to sort through everything,” UGA Greg McGarity told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “At some point in time we’ll have some sort of communication with the SEC and the NCAA on the entire situation. So much of this right now is verbal. We’re obviously having conversations, but there’s nothing to report right now.”

UGA has reportedly already reached out to both the SEC and the NCAA as part of the standard protocol when a potential violation is learned.

The stem of Jones’ eligibility concerns comes from his connection to Tony Adams, a now-former P&R director who is accused of mishandling funds through an improper bank account. The account was reportedly used to fly Jones between Atlanta and Los Angeles at four times during the summer of 2009 while Jones was a member of the Blaze. The amount is said to be around $828.40.

NCAA rules do not allow amateur sports organizations to provide expenses for athletes in excess of actual and necessary travel, room and board, apparel and equipment for competition and practice.

Jones later signed with USC before transferring back to his in-state school.

Whether he’ll lose his eligibility before the start of the season for that school is still up in the air.

“That has not happened and we’re really not even sure yet if that has to happen,” McGarity said. “We’re still looking into it.”