ATHENS, Ga. -- The NCAA Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement upheld Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green's four-game suspension on Friday.

During a conference call on Friday morning, Georgia officials appealed Green's ban. The suspension came after the Bulldogs star admitted selling his 2009 Independence Bowl jersey for $1,000 to former North Carolina defensive back Chris Hawkins, who the NCAA described as an agent or someone who markets amateur athletes.

Hawkins has denied he is an agent.

University of Georgia president Michael Adams told the Journal-Constitution on Saturday the school did everything it could to get Green's suspension reduced, but Adams did not quibble with the NCAA.

"It's certainly not too light," Adams told the newspaper of Green's suspension, "and yet I'm not in a position to criticize the NCAA. They are trying to send a message about contact with agents and agent runners and representatives."

Green missed the Bulldogs' first three games of the season and next week's game at Mississippi State. He already agreed to repay the $1,000 to charity.

"Our concentration is the same as the last two weeks, which is preparing for the next game," coach Mark Richt said in a statement. "We'll look forward to A.J.'s return for the Colorado game."

Last season the 6-foot-4 Green led the Bulldogs with 53 catches for 808 yards despite missing all or part of five games with injuries. He's already projected as a possible top-five pick in next year's NFL draft if he gives up his senior season.

The Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement, which is comprised of representatives from NCAA member colleges, universities and athletic conferences, ruled on Green's case. It had the power to overturn or lessen the penalty, but chose not to alter the original decision.

"We respect the committee's decision and will focus on moving forward," Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said.

Adams, in an interview before Saturday's 31-24 loss to Arkansas, said the university got "the best counsel and advice you can get to make an appeal. ... I think the university did everything to help [Green] that the university could have done."

The NCAA did not comment on the ruling.

Green has been practicing with the Bulldogs, but Richt said the team approached this week's game as though their top offensive threat would not be on the field. By the end of the week, other receivers were getting the bulk of the work with the first team and quarterback Aaron Murray.

"It's not as big an issue this week," Richt said after Wednesday's practice. "The other two games, we were really hopeful but weren't really sure until late in the week both weeks. This week, we start on the premise that he can't play."

Green's teammates were hoping for a favorable ruling, believing his return would have provided a huge emotional lift before Saturday's game.

Plus, he's a big part of the offense and would undoubtedly make life easier for Georgia's young quarterback. Murray is a redshirt freshman made just his third career start.