Todd Gurley on autograph scandal: 'I made a dumb mistake'

Former Georgia running back Todd Gurley told the media at the NFL combine on Friday that the autograph scandal that got him suspended for four games was a "dumb mistake."

Former Georgia running back Todd Gurley told the media at the NFL combine on Friday that the autograph scandal that got him suspended for four games last season was a "dumb mistake."

Gurley was suspended for accepting more than $3,000 in cash for autographed memorabilia and other items, which took place over two years and involved multiple individuals. The running back was asked how he's dealt with questions about the scandal at the combine.

"Just man up to my mistakes," he said. "I made a dumb mistake and I suffered the consequences. I had to move on from that, but just show them that I'm a great person at the end of the day."

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The man at the center of the scandal was Georgia resident Bryan Allen, who shared his side of the story with SI.com's Andy Staples in December. Gurley said that one of the things the whole situation taught him was to be more careful about who he involves himself with.

"That probably was one of the best worst things that happened to me. You definitely want to keep your eyes on a swivel and just watch who you're around because everybody is not for you. Even though I'd made a dumb mistake, it just makes you think about stuff in the future."

Upon returning from his suspension, Gurley sustained a torn ACL that ended his season. In six games in 2014, he had 911 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.

- Molly Geary