There is no telling exactly how much compliance manpower is being devoted to investigating Florida State's Jameis Winston and Georgia's Todd Gurley in their respective cases involving autographed memorabilia, and whether they profited from it in violation of NCAA rules. But by appearances only, Georgia appeared to be hustling more on Thursday.
Bulldogs athletic director Greg McGarity confirmed through a statement that he and other Georgia administrators met with NCAA representatives Thursday in Indianapolis to discuss not only Gurley, but the program's infractions case for swimming and diving, too. No news came of it where the indefinitely suspended Gurley is concerned, and the star junior appears likely to miss his second consecutive game Saturday when the Bulldogs travel to Arkansas.
The NCAA weighed in via Twitter:
Richt said Wednesday that Gurley would be included on the Bulldogs' travel roster to Arkansas if cleared by week's end, but indicated Thursday that Gurley wouldn't play in the Arkansas game.
By contrast, Florida State drew some criticism via social media Thursday for its inaction in apparently not yet contacting the company, James Spence Authentication, that authenticated some 2,000 pieces of Winston-autographed memorabilia, according to ESPN. FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said earlier this week that he stands by Winston's assertion that he has not accepted any money for autographs. A key difference between the cases is that Gurley is alleged to have done just that, while there is no such accusation about Winston, at least not publicly. However, the Winston case drew the attention of the school in part because of the volume of JSA sequentially authenticated items available online.
Gurley has rushed for 773 yards and eight touchdowns in five games this season. The junior is considered one of the elite talents at his position in the college game, one that is expected to eventually end the streak of running backs being shut out of the NFL draft's first round. Gurley would be eligible for the 2015 NFL Draft if he skips his final year of college eligibility.
Winston, a third-year sophomore, could also enter the 2015 draft, but the FSU star has two seasons of NCAA eligibility remaining after this one. The Seminoles (6-0) are 19-0 with Winston as a starting quarterback and are looking to win a second consecutive national title.
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