Leadoff with Lee 10.23.14

By @cleeverizon

-Georgia running back Todd Gurley applied to have his eligibility reinstated yesterday to the NCAA. Gurley was suspended indefinitely by Georgia after allegations that Gurely accepted payments in exchange for autographs for several memorabilia dealers in the area. The university has completed their internal investigation and has turned their findings into the NCAA, along with the proper paperwork to have Gurley reinstated. According to a source that is familiar with the situation, said the process of the eligibility commitee usually has a ruling within 24 hours. UGA can also appeal the ruling if the commitee does not reinstate Gurley.

Here is the statement that the University of Georgia released:

Since completing its initial review of the eligibility matter involving UGA student-athlete Todd Gurley on October 9, the University has been supporting Todd and cooperating with his legal counsel as they review the matter.

Todd has confirmed his desire to seek reinstatement, and the University fully supports Todd’s request. The University plans to file the necessary paperwork with the NCAA later today.

“I want to thank the University, coaches, teammates, and the Bulldog Nation for their patience and support,” Gurley said. “I take full responsibility for the mistakes I made, and I can’t thank the University, my coaches, and teammates enough for supporting me throughout this process. I’m looking forward to getting back on the field with my teammates.”

Gurley’s attorney, William King, said, “Todd has taken responsibility for his actions and is ready to rejoin his teammates. The University has been great throughout the past two weeks and has done everything it can to support Todd. I would especially like to thank President Morehead, Greg McGarity, and Coach Richt for standing by Todd.”

The University hopes for and expects a prompt ruling by the NCAA so that Todd, his coaches, and teammates can adequately prepare for our next game.

-The Cleveland Cavaliers have the hottest ticket at home and also the hottest ticket on the road. Cavs road games are averaging $411.17 per ticket, which is $130.00 more than any other road teams.

-Student athletes at the University of Texas can expect a $10,000 pay raise. Texas will spend a extra $6 million dollars per year to comply with a string of recent legal rulings requiring colleges to be more "GENEROUS" to scholarship athletes. This money is supposed to be used to cover expenses that aren't covered by a traditional full scholarship. Each player will receive $5,000 in compensation to cover for the university's use of his/hers player likeness/image. Does this mean a return of the NCAA video games that started all of this?

-After a 7-1 loss in the opening game of the World Series, the Kansas City Royals wore the crown in Game 2 with their 7-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants. Tied at 2 going into the bottom of the 6th, the Royals exploded for 5 runs, sparked by the bat of Salvador Perez. Perez knocked home a two-run double in that 6th inning off of Giants reliever Hunter Strickland. We officially have a series now, with both teams dealing out some big time run support. Yordano Ventura started for the Royals, giving them 5.1 innings while surrendering 8 hits and 2 earned runs. Game 3 will be Friday night in San Francisco with the series tied at 1 game apiece.