Georgia's A.J. Green suspended for 4 games<div id="articleByline">The Associated Press</div>
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_16023538?nclick_check=1
</span></span> ATHENS,
Ga.â€"Georgia star black receiver A.J. Green was suspended by the NCAA for four
games on Wednesday for selling a jersey for $1,000 to someone who
qualifies as an agent. <div id="article">
Green sold his jersey from last season's
Independence Bowl. The junior, who sat out the season opener against
Louisiana-Lafayette, must miss three more games before regaining his
eligibility, according to the ruling from the NCAA.
No. 22 Georgia plays at No. 24 South Carolina on Saturday.
The
ruling comes after much speculation that Green was involved in the
NCAA's probe into improper benefits given by agents to athletes at
several schools, including North Carolina.
Part of the probe
was a party at Miami Beach. Green insisted he didn't attend the party,
but Wednesday's announcement showed the NCAA was looking at other
benefits received by the player.
Georgia says Green has repaid the $1,000 to a charity.
Green
issued an apology to Georgia coaches, his teammates and fans "for the
mistake in judgment" in a statement released by the school.
"I
very much regret all that has taken place and the distraction that's
been caused," Green said. "I've learned a valuable lesson and hope
others can learn from my mistake. I can only focus my attention now on
practicing and looking ahead to getting back with my teammates as
quickly as possible."
The 6-foot-4 Green is rated as one of the top receivers in the nation. He is projected as a possible top-five pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Green had 53 catches for 808 yards and six touchdowns in 2009 despite missing all or part of five games due to injuries.
The
loss of Green is a blow to Georgia's hopes in the Southeastern
Conference's Eastern Division before the crucial game at South Carolina.
"Certainly I'm disappointed with the outcome," coach Mark
Richt said. "However, we have games to play and that's where our focus
needs to be in the coming days and weeks. Other players will have to
step forward and I'm confident they will do that."
Black receiver
Tavarres King, who was charged with underaged possession of alcohol this
summer, served a one-game suspension against Louisiana-Lafayette and
returns this week.
I hope this gives White WRs Kris Durham, Logan Gray, and Michael Bennett a better chance to shine during these next few games.
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Edited by: Colonel_Reb
