The University of Georgia offered running back Todd Gurley legal counsel upon the opening of an investigation by the NCAA into alleged extra benefits to Gurley. Gurley has been suspended as a result of the ongoing investigation and when or if he returns remains in question. Georgia Athletics Director Greg McGarity issued a statement Friday afternoon to clear up a few things regarding the investigation and confirmed the university has made legal counsel available to Gurley.
“While the University does not tolerate any violation of NCAA rules, the University has supported and continues to support its student-athletes,” McGarity said. “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.”
It is in Georgia’s best interest to provide their star running back with the best legal team it can, but it is also a benefit that can come from the new age of autonomy. With schools from power conferences now having more flexibility to offer services to their student-athletes, taking on legal costs is something that should be the norm at the big money schools. By doing so though, Georgia is showing Gurley (and other players) the school will be there to support him (even if he is responsible for breaking a dumb rule).
“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,” McGarity said in his statement.