Man who may have triggered Gurley investigation wants him reinstated

ATLANTA — The man who may have triggered the NCAA investigation into Todd Gurley tells Channel 2 Action News that he wants the University of Georgia football star reinstated.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne spoke with the attorney for Bryan Allen Thursday afternoon.  It's the first interview attorney Ed Garland has given regarding Allen.

"He thinks he ought to be playing football this Saturday and thinks that he should not be punished," Garland said.

Garland said Allen only made one payment to Gurley.

"He greatly regrets that he made the one payment to him, $400, he wishes he never had," Garland said.

Garland stressed to Winne that Allen only made one payment for the signing of little football memorabilia items.

"It was a one time thing, he never had any dealings with Gurley before that time or after that time," Garland said. "In fact he admires Gurley."

UGA suspended Gurley while they investigated. At the time of his suspension, Gurley was considered a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.

Wednesday, the University of Georgia said it supports a request by Gurley for reinstatement and filed the necessary paperwork.

Since then, Allen has felt the wrath of Dawg Nation.
 
According to police reports, Allen claims he's been the victim of threats and harassment and that someone may have even tried to break into his home.

"This young man is a fine young man who has been subjected to a great deal of condemnation and abuse for the emotions that everyone feels about Gurley being punished," Garland said.  "And quite frankly, it seems quite hypocritical for universities to think they own the face and the name of the people they give scholarships to, and they ought to get rid of these stupid rules."

Garland told Winne that Allen has not paid money to any other college athlete for autographs.

WSBTV