Georgia lawmakers want jail time for memorabilia dealers that jeopardize NCAA eligibility
Georgia lawmakers, unhappy with the four-game suspension running back Todd Gurley served because he took money for his autograph, want to enact a state law that would put the clamps down on memorabilia dealers.
State Rep. Barry Fleming, R-Harlem and a University of Georgia graduate, filed House Bill 3 that would make it a crime to entice a student-athlete to break NCAA rules and jeopardize their eligibility, scholarship or amateur standing. The violator would be subject to jail time and a $25,000 fine.
Georgia currently makes it a misdemeanor if someone pays a student-athlete to attend a specific school or pays a student-athlete for performance.
Gurley was on the road to winning a Heisman Trophy before word surfaced that he was paid for his autograph, which brought a four-game suspension by the NCAA. Gurley returned to the field against Auburn last week, but suffered a season-ending knee injury during the fourth quarter of the game.
It is unknown whether Gurley will return to school or make himself available for the NFL draft.
For more Georgia news, visit UGASports.com.
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