Heisman Trophy Hopeful Suspended Indefinitely

09 Oct, 2014

Georgia star tailback Todd Gurley was suspended indefinitely on Thursday while the school investigates an alleged violation of NCAA rules.

The stunning announcement came two days before the No. 13 Bulldogs (4-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) face No. 23 Missouri (4-1, 1-0) in a crucial Eastern Division game, a huge blow to both the team and Gurley’s Heisman Trophy hopes.

Georgia officials did not reveal the alleged violation.

“I’m obviously very disappointed,” coach Mark Richt said in a statement. “The important thing for our team is to turn all our attention toward preparation for Missouri.”

Gurley leads the Bulldogs with 773 yards rushing and eight touchdowns, averaging 8.2 yards per carry. In addition, he has 11 receptions and a 100-yard kickoff return for a TD.

The junior established himself as a leading Heisman contender with several signature games and moments, including a school-record 293 all-purpose yards in a season-opening victory over Clemson. There was also a hurdler-like leap over a Tennessee defender to pick up an extra 10 yards – a play that was shown repeatedly on national highlight shows. Last week, the left-hander surprised Vanderbilt by completing a 50-yard pass – Georgia’s longest throw of the year.

Gurley is simply irreplaceable, a dynamic mix of speed and power that allowed the Bulldogs to keep winning even with a mediocre passing game. He has accounted for more than half of the teams’ rushing yards, and his nine touchdowns account for nearly a third of Georgia’s 30 trips to the end zone.

Freshman Nick Chubb, who ranks second on the team with 234 yards rushing, will likely step in to start against Missouri. Sophomore Brendan Douglas is the only other back with significant experience.

NCAA rules violations often involve the acceptance of impermissible benefits.

AP

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