ATHENS, Ga. -- The University of Georgia announced Wednesday that Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker will pass up his senior season of college football to sign a multi-million dollar contract with the New Jersey Generals of the U.S. Football League.
Walker insisted last Friday that he had not signed a contract with the Generals but a university spokesman said 'new information' presented Tuesday to Georgia athletic director and football coach Vince Dooley made it 'apparent' that Walker 'has engaged in actions which would cause him to be ineligible according to NCAA regulations.'
Walker, an All-America running back all three of his seasons at Georgia when he rushed for 5,259 yards and scored 52 touchdowns while leading the Bulldogs to three straight Southeastern Conferrence titles and the 1980 national championship, was scheduled to fly to Orlando, Fla., later Wednesday to join the Generals at their training camp.
Earlier reports had the Generals offering Walker $16.5 million - $1.5 million as a bonus and $2.5 million for each of six years.
'According to information made available Tuesday, Walker had agreed last Thursday to enter into agreement with a team from the United States Football League,' said the Georgia spokesman. 'He later changed his mind in according with provisions of the agreement.
'However, since these actions do render Walker technically ineligible we understand he has now decided to sign an official contract with the Generals of the USFL.'
