It's Official: Sold Jersey = 4 Game Suspension

Yesterday, the NCAA Appeals Division upheld the NCAA decision to suspend Georgia wideout A.J. Green for four games because he sold his his Independence Bowl game jersey to an alleged "agent" for $1,000.00.

I disagree with the NCAA because if the jersey was given to the player, he should have the right to do whatever he wants with it, including selling the jersey. If the free market value for an authentic "game worn" A.J. Green jersey is $1,000.00, then the player should be able to receive that amount if someone is willing to pay. Other students on scholarship are prohibited from selling gifts given to them, so why should students on athletic scholarships be treated differently, especially, since they're often making the university large sums of money.

The whole situation makes like since, especially since the NCAA (and UGA) are selling at least 16 different types of A.J. Green jerseys, at prices ranging from $36.00 to $150.00 a piece. It seems like the NCAA allows everyone else to cash-in on the student's athletic accomplishments, but the student. I realize the counterargument is these students are cashing in on their accomplishments, by getting a free education, but the reality is they are not, check the graduation rates.