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Georgia governor signs “Todd Gurley” bill into law

By Alexandra Huber

Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Joshua Holsey (15) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Joshua Holsey (15) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Georgia governor Nathan Deal signs House Bill 3, the “Todd Gurley bill,” into law.

Todd Gurley may be getting out of Georgia but his legacy will remain there for years to come.

On Thursday, Georgia governor Nathan Deal signed House Bill 3, named for the jersey number of former Georgia running back Todd Gurley, into law. The bill makes it a misdemeanor for anyone to entice a college athlete to break NCAA rules in exchange for money or other means.

An extremely talented college player, Todd Gurley’s time at Georgia ended with injury and off-the-field issues. The running back was suspended for four games in the 2014 season after he accepted more than $3,000 in cash for autographed memorabilia, a violation of NCAA by-laws prohibiting student athletes from being paid . Following the suspension, in his first game back, Gurley tore the ACL in his left knee and was lost for the season.

The question about allowing the sale of athletes’ signatures has come into question in recent years. In addition to Gurley, the NCAA suspended former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel for the first half of a game in 2013 for signing footballs and other memorabilia for autograph dealers. At the time, they found no evidence that Manziel had accepted payment for the transactions. The suspension of Gurley also led NCAA president Mark Emmert to say that perhaps the rule should be re-evaluated.

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The language of House Bill 3 reads:

"“No person shall enter into or solicit directly or through an agent a transaction with a student-athlete if such person has knowledge that the transaction would likely be cause for the student to permanently or temporarily lose athletic scholarship eligibility.”"

Though the infraction is a misdemeanor and not a felony, those who break the law could face up to a year in jail, a $5,000 fine and could potentially be sued in civil court.

Gurley was drafted by the St. Louis Rams with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. As a result, Gurley became the first running back selected in the first round of the Draft since 2012. Luckily for Gurley, his rookie contract will be worth enough that he won’t be tempted to take a bribe ever again.

Look for other states, especially states with prominent, successful college sports teams, to follow suit with “Todd Gurley bills” of their own. Surely every state has their own infractions to name a similar bill after.

(h/t Sports Illustrated)

Next: 30 best running backs in NFL history

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