Athens, GA (My Sportsbook) - Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green was given a four-game suspension because he sold his Independence Bowl game jersey to an individual who meets the NCAA definition of an agent.

The NCAA's student-athlete reinstatement committee announced the decision Wednesday, saying Green was ruled ineligible for violations of NCAA agent benefit rules. Green sold the jersey for $1,000, but repaid the value of it to a charity.

"I want to apologize to my coaches, teammates, and the Georgia fans for the mistake in judgment," Green said. "I very much regret all that has taken place and the distraction that's been caused. I've learned a valuable lesson and hope others can learn from my mistake. I can only focus my attention now on practicing and looking ahead to getting back with my teammates as quickly as possible."

Green already missed a season-opening 55-7 win over Louisiana and will sit out this Saturday's contest when the No. 22 Bulldogs visit 24th-ranked South Carolina. He'll also miss the September 18 home game against Arkansas and the following week's contest at Mississippi State.

Georgia athletics director Greg McGarity confirmed the school will appeal the decision to the student-athlete reinstatement committee. Green will remain ineligible until the conclusion of the appeals process.

"Certainly I'm disappointed with the outcome. However, we have games to play and that's where our focus needs to be in the coming days and weeks," Georgia coach Mark Richt said. "Other players will have to step forward and I'm confident they will do that."

Green caught 53 passes for 808 yards and six touchdowns last season as a sophomore after catching a freshman school-record 56 passes in 2008.