NCAA denies appeal for Georgia WR A.J. Green

ATLANTA (AP) - The NCAA has upheld the four-game suspension for Georgia star receiver A.J. Green.

Green had appealed his four-game suspension by the NCAA for selling a bowl jersey for $1,000 to person deemed to be an agent. But an NCAA committee denied his request Friday evening, which means he'll again be watching from the sideline when the Bulldogs (1-1) face No. 12 Arkansas in a Southeastern Conference game Saturday.

Green was held out of Georgia's opener, a 55-7 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette, while the school awaited clearance from the NCAA. And after the four-game suspension was handed down last week, the Bulldogs lost at South Carolina 17-6.

Former North Carolina and Marshall player Chris Hawkins has acknowledged buying Green's jersey, but claims he's a collector, not an agent.

Last season the 6-foot-4 Green led the Bulldogs with 53 catches for 808 yards despite missing all or part of five games with injuries. He's already projected as a possible top-five pick in next year's NFL draft if he gives up his senior season.

"We respect the committee's decision and will focus on moving forward," Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said in a statement.

The Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement, which is comprised of representatives from NCAA member colleges, universities and athletic conferences, ruled on Green's case. It had the power to overturn or lessen the penalty, but chose not to alter the original decision.

The NCAA did not comment on the decision.

Green also will miss next week's SEC game at Mississippi State before he's eligible to return for an Oct. 2 contest at Colorado.

"Our concentration is the same as the last two weeks, which is preparing for the next game," coach Mark Richt said. "We'll look forward to A.J.'s return for the Colorado game."