Suspended University of Georgia running back Todd Gurley will be eligible to play again starting Nov. 15, according to the NCAA's Associate Director of Public and Media Relations, Emily James.
Georgia originally submitted its request for reinstatement on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The NCAA's decision was handed down late Tuesday, Oct. 28.
Gurley was originally suspended for accepting at least $3,000 in cash in exchange for autographed memorabilia from a variety of individuals over a two-year span. He will be forced to sit out a total of four games, or what amounts to 30 percent of his season, and must repay a portion of the money. He must also complete 40 hours of community service.
"In determining the appropriate reinstatement conditions, a 30 percent withholding condition is consistent with precedent in similar cases," writes James. "Additional withholding was strongly considered because the violations occurred over multiple years with multiple individuals and the student received extensive rules education about the prohibition of receiving payment for autographs. However, the university's due diligence in its investigation and the student's full disclosure of his involvement in the violations were factors in not imposing a more severe withholding condition."
In Gurley's absence, which many feared would seriously inhibit Georgia's ability to win games, freshman Nick Chubb has performed in stellar fashion. Chubb ran for 202 yards and a touchdown, averaged 6.7 yards per carry and added another touchdown receiving in Georgia's win against Arkansas earlier this month, according to ESPN.
Gurley last played against Vanderbilt in a game on Oct. 4. He ran for 163 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries, helping Georgia to a 44-17 victory.
The Nov. 15 return would coincide with Georgia's game against Auburn. Gurley has been practicing with the team throughout his absence according to Cody Pace of redandblack.com.
