Apprehension Building Around A.J. Green Situation

Another day is going by without a ruling on the eligibility of UGA WR A.J. Green. Rumors are swirling that the NCAA investigation of Green is going beyond the party in Miami that has led to suspensions at Alabama, UNC, and USC. Green was held out of Georgia's 55-7 win Saturday over ULL as a result of questions surrounding his eligibility. 

Green has denied from the beginning that he ever attended the party. There is even some evidence that shows he was not there. So, that now begs the question "If not the party, then what is the issue?" Well, Richt and Green are not allowed to comment. Let's assume for a second that it is not the party the NCAA is looking at with Green. Message boards today say it could be related to an insurance policy he took out on himself this past offseason. Others say it's about him autographing and selling gameday apparel on e-bay. The insurance policy is not unusual itself. The question surrounds whether or not Green is paying for it himself or if someone else is picking up the tab. If that's the case, then that's a NCAA violation. To make matters worse, people are suggesting Green has pulled a Dez Bryant and lied to the NCAA. Not good!

Personally, I am not sure what is going on with this situation. I expect the NCAA will issue a ruling this week. UGA and Coach Richt need an answer before this weekend's showdown with South Carolina. As each day passes though, the news looks more and more bleak for UGA and Green. It means it's not party  related since that seems pretty cut and dry. No, it would seem to go deeper than that. I just hope it's nothing that goes back throughout Green's career at UGA, for that could mean 18 wins would be vacated. 

Make no mistake about it, losing Green would be a huge blow to the UGA offense. The good news for UGA is that they have a solid offensive line and running game. They are very deep at tight end and the other receivers are very talented. Plus, the defense and special teams looked solid in the opening game. Ultimately, the defense has the step up anyway. Yet, Green is the best player on the team in my opinion. With Murray being a redshirt freshman, Green's presence is all but necessary. 

Either way, this does not make Mark Richt's job any easier. They are already an underdog in Columbia this weekend and will need Green if they are to make a run at the East. However, it looks more and more everyday like that may not happen. Let's hope for the best with Green and the other players at other schools. I hate seeing schools lose their players over things like this.