UGA J. REID PARKER DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS GREG McGARITY STATEMENT REGARDING TODD GURLEY ELIGIBILITY MATTER
October 10, 2014
I would like to make a few additional comments about yesterday’s announcement regarding the suspension of Todd Gurley.
While we have made extensive efforts to gather all relevant facts, this is still an ongoing and obviously sensitive matter involving a student-athlete. Because of federal privacy laws, NCAA rules, and the ongoing nature of this matter, there are limits on what I can say at this time. While we unfortunately cannot get into details, there are a few things I would like to make clear to those who support the University of Georgia.
There is currently a lot of misinformation about this matter in the public domain, and many pundits are offering opinions that are based on incomplete or erroneous information.
While that is unfortunate and while we can’t control the pundits, I want to assure the Bulldog Nation that from the time this matter arose and continuing through today, University of Georgia personnel have worked tirelessly, making every effort and taking all appropriate steps to support our student-athletes and our coaches and to act in the best interests of the University of Georgia.
While the University does not tolerate any violation of NCAA rules, the University has supported and continues to support its student-athletes. 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.
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.
Rest assured the University is continuing its efforts to resolve the eligibility matter as expeditiously as possible and in a manner that is in the best interests of the University, its coaches, and its student-athletes.
We will continue our proactive and extensive program of rules education for our student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
Because of the ongoing nature of the matter, unfortunately I cannot make any more comments at this time.
I encourage the Bulldog Nation to continue to pull together during this difficult time and support all of our coaches and student-athletes as we move forward.
View Comments (9)
Easier said than done but hope resolved soon for Todd's, University & fans sake. It is so discouraging to be mixed up in either petty or major issues at this time for all concerned when attention should be directed to tasks at hand for everyone..
GOOO DAWGS!!!
If you really want to stand with your student athletes Mr McGarity, you grow a backbone and you support them until proven guilty. You and Coach Richt waste no time ejecting these young men from MY University and at the least incident discard them. I think as an alumnus, its time to eject both of you.
They had no choice in suspending him, NCAA rule is they must suspend him as soon as they find out about these types of allegations, had they not suspended him immediately NCAA could impose 2-3 yrs of sanctions on UGA. You really ought to know all the facts before you get mad about something you obviously don't know much about
Mike you are 100% correct.... Coach Richt will waste no time dismissing a young man from the team.. The university is willing to try to ruin the best player in college football on an allegation.
Come on Mike and Van, i respect what ya are saying but at same time coach Richt and the university have rules to follow as well. Guys I love bulldog football almost as much as I love my kids, but we have to let this play out and i think when it does Mr todd Gurley will be fine. And i hope that bastard who started this gets what's coming to him. Karma is a son of a bitch. Let's hang in there dawg nation, pray for Gurley.
From Bradley Lawson. Winston is playing with a rape charge over his head and girly is sitting for signing his name. What is wrong with this picture??
Pen is mightier than the sword.....
I'm Travis I don't think its right they sound only suspend him for like two games. look at the NFL they don't get there career taken from them when they sign autographs. so why should it happen to Todd Gurleywhy should he lose his career in the NCAA
If information provided to us in detail from multiple reputable news outlets with sources are all incorrect, and even if they are suspect, UGA should see to it that the council hired by UGA get media outlets up-dated corrections - not leave it festering with falsehoods only Greg McGarity says are all wrong which we all have knowledge.
This is the 1st step all council does hired by UGA to represent the student-athlete against a just abusive all-powerful one-sided hiding everything they do, out-dated NCAA.
Jameis Winston's council did this. You leak it, if not step up to the mic and have at it.
Now, you tell us all this time later, Greg McGarity sir, that the basis of all of this is all what ?
Lies ?
For God's sake Greg McGarity, I said you would bungle this from the word go, and this is a perfect example of what I mean.
How can you make these allegations and not the council you hired when you sir, are on a specific mandated gag order from the very organization you alone say are in receipt of all falsehoods upon which this is based ?
You football record as Athletics' Director at my and your alma mater, is # 27 in the nation won/lost record - not even in the Top 25 won/loss records. Our other sports, are equally in total disarray - both on and off the field.
You are over your head son.