Is Georgia’s Todd Gurley simply suffering a consequence of choice?

Oct 11, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; A Georgia Bulldogs shows her support for running back Todd Gurley (3) (not pictured) during the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

#‎FreeGurley‬ or ‪#‎ChoicesConsequences‬

Like everyone else who proudly wears the Red and Black, I would love to see Georgia’s Todd Gurley running through Hogs, over Gators, shredding Tigers, declawing Wildcats and squashing Yellow Jackets before season’s end.

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But, there is something much, much bigger here. It’s called a life lesson.

What is the #FreeGurley campaign freeing #3 from? Better yet, what is #FreeGurley freeing our UGA fan base from?

We can point the finger (most are probably using the middle one) at sports memorabilia dealer Bryan Allen who “duped” or “set up” UGA’s most famous #3. Allen’s time will surely come while his time in this state has surely ended.

Fans have also set their sights on the NCAA, the big business of collegiate athletics and why athletes are not getting paid something for the millions they bring into school coffers each fall Saturday.

But, this entire saga boils down to one thing – a choice.

From the moment college athletes (especially the stars and that’s the truth) start their careers, they are reminded innumerable times about the potential consequences to not only themselves, but also their team, for accepting money for autographs.

#3 made a choice, and it was the wrong one.

Why? It was the wrong choice because a rule was in place. It doesn’t matter if the rule is considered archaic, stupid, or out of date. It is a rule and must be adhered to until it is changed.

Let’s put it in the context of football’s targeting rule. Georgia was burned mightily on that a couple of times in the 2013 season. It tries to serve a purpose but is extremely ambiguous in its interpretation and could even be called each time a running back lowers his head when a defender comes to greet him. As much as people hate it, it is a rule and is being enforced.

Fans and media members alike have touted the kind of treatment #3 (not to mention every college athlete) is receiving “is not fair.” Hate to break it to everyone, but life “is not fair.” Never will be.

Is it fair that some are blessed with freakish talent while others can’t even walk? Is it fair that some get a full scholarship (whether academic or athletic) while others must work their way through college? Are these “stars” supposed to just give that up because others shout, “it’s not fair?” Sounds like political correctness is rearing its ugly head in collegiate athletics.

At the young age of 20, we all made choices yielding a consequence we did not enjoy

The NCAA does need to change some rules and give athletes the opportunity to get a part-time job and earn some spending money – if during the summer or non-season months only. Until a change is made, it is a rule.

With each choice comes a consequence. It can also be called accountability. As a whole, even in athletics, our culture doesn’t like that thought. Why have rules, or boundaries…because they ultimately bring freedom. If they were not in existence, there would be complete chaos on and off the field of competition.

#3 was held accountable for his actions and the rule that was broken. The man who held him accountable was none other than Coach Mark Richt. I applaud him for the courage to do so. Who can argue with that?

At the young age of 20, we all made choices yielding a consequence we did not enjoy then and some of those continue to follow – #ChoicesConsequences. In fact, all of us in our 40s and beyond still do that. It is a common bond we all share. The stark difference – ours is not plastered on every news medium known to man 24/7.

So, I ask again, what do we need to #FreeGurley from? Is it the free education, room and board, good meals every day, top flight medical care, etc…(some of you are probably thinking – this is so “old school”)? Or, is it the consequences of his choice?

If #3 were to be freed from that, what would he learn, or better yet, not learn from it? In a few short months, baring the unforeseen, he will be set for life financially and that “measly” $400 choice might serve as a positive lesson the remainder of his days.

For the Dawg Nation, why do we really want to #FreeGurley? Is it truly for the joy of watching #3 “Between the Hedges” one more time? Or is it for a possible title (which we are all hungry for), whatever the cost?

I would like nothing more than to see #3 roaming SEC gridirons again freely, but the best collegiate football player in America put himself in this situation. In the end, it is a life lesson learned based on #ChoicesConsequences.