The Georgia Bulldogs will be playing without one of their best offensive weapons for the next several weeks after the NCAA brought the hammer down and levied a four-game suspension against A.J. Green.

Green’s suspension comes after investigators revealed the player sold his Independence Bowl jersey for $1,000 to a qualified agent. ESPN reported that the university made a statement regarding the money Green received and said the player has donated the $1,000 to a charity.

Since Green sat out for the season opener last week against Louisiana-Lafayette, he is now required to miss the next three games. It’s possible that UGA policy caused Green to be on the sidelines but either way, it was an advantageous move by Mark Richt and the Dawgs. Opting to have the star receiver sit out a game they were sure to win by a landslide, the Bulldogs offense were still able to put 48 points on the board in their 55-7 win thanks to a breakout debut performance by quarterback, Aaron Murray.

The investigation was said to include digging up facts surrounding a party in South Beach. Green has always denied being at that bash but it turned out the investigators were looking into the jersey selling violation instead. This suspension seems harsh for a player selling a jersey but the NCAA may have determined that selling it to an agent was the same as accepting cash from an agent.

“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.”

Green, 6-ft 4in is projected as a first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft so this suspension comes in a year when he would most want to showcase his talents.

Possibly filling in for Green is wide receiver, Tavarres King who was charged with possession of alcohol and also sat out a one-game suspension against Louisiana-Lafayette. King is one of nine Bulldogs who have recently been arrested; you could start a Bulldogs mug shot gallery.

More NCAA: 

Seven SEC teams in AP Top 25 – Sports Climax

 Dawgs Dominate in Murray’s Debut – Sports Climax

Gators Struggle in Win at The Swamp – Sports Climax

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC

Although they lined up against a sparring partner in their opener, the No. 23 Georgia Bulldogs were impressive and dominated Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday, coasting to a 55-7 win.

In his college start debut, Dawgs quarterback Aaron Murray tossed three touchdowns and rushed for a fourth despite the fact his top receiver, A.J. Green, was watching on the sidelines. Murray’s final stats included 16-of-24 for 194 yards with wide receiver Kris Durham making 5 of those receptions for 83 yards.

Not that they needed it, the Dawgs offense got some scoring help from the defensive side of the ball as well when defensive back Jakar Hamilton returned a pick 17 yards to the house in the fourth quarter to make it 55-7. The Dawgs D also held Louisiana-Lafayette to 14 total yards on the ground on 29 carries.

Getting back to A.J. Green, the All-SEC first-teamer is stuck in limbo as he waits for the NCAA ruling pertaining to his possible involvement at a Miami party that was hosted by a sports agent.

Green wasn’t the only Dawgs’ player on out due to disciplinary actions. Washaun Ealey, another starter sat out as well. Ealey is one of the nine Dawgs who were busted this year with his charges including hit and run and driving with a suspended license.

Atlanta-Journal Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz thinks it’s time for Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt to answer to his team’s recent run-ins with the law.  

FINAL NOTE: Ealey is expected to start next week when the Bulldogs Georgia (1-0) visit Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks next Saturday for an SEC match-up.

MORE SEC: Gators look awful in win at The Swamp – Sports Climax

Copyright © 2010 Sports Climax, LLC