Tennessee Volunteers DL Maurice Couch Ruled Permanently Ineligible

Sep 8, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Maurice Couch (44) tries to tackle Georgia State Panthers tight end Emmanuel Ogbuehi (88) during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

After nearly two months of waiting, the NCAA has finally come to a ruling in regards to Tennessee Volunteers DL Maurice Couch — and it’s not a desirable outcome for the Vols.

Couch was alleged to have received $1,300 from an agent, via a middle man.

The impermissible benefit that Couch allegedly received is similar to those of former Georgia WR AJ Green.

Green was suspended only four games.

The Vols will appeal Couch’s penalty, but judging by the amount of time taken by the NCAA on the ruling, it’s unlikely it will be overturned.

At this point it’s nearly impossible to predict how the NCAA will rule on anything.

Couch is a senior and played in two games this season before being ruled ineligible by Tennessee.

The Florida native was mostly positive after the ruling was announced, taking to Twitter to thank the fans the coaching staff at Tennessee.

Although Couch did indeed break the rules, it’s a tough break for a man that’s much more than just a football player, but ultimately a husband and father.