Louisiana State University has banned Odell Beckham Jr. and is self-imposing penalties as the NCAA investigates the school for violations.
What We Know:
- According to Sports Illustrated, the NCAA is investigating booster payments made to the father of a student-athlete. LSU is self-imposing penalties on the football program due to the alleged violations.
- The school is docking the football program eight scholarships over the next two years and reducing the number of recruitment visits and communications the program can have with prospects. LSU’s football program can offer up to 85 scholarships per year.
- Cleveland Browns wide receiver and former LSU player Odell Beckham Jr. will also be banned from the school’s facilities. After LSU’s win in the College Football National Championship in January, Beckham was seen on video giving cash to players. Beckham distributed $2,000 to players, including former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. Student-athletes are prohibited from accepting cash, according to NCAA bylaws.
OBJ qui distribue les billets à tout-va après la victoire de LSU… vous en pensez quoi ? @TDActu #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/RQH6zZA16G
— MorganLagreeTBP (@MorganLagreeTBP) January 14, 2020
“LSU has worked proactively and in cooperation with the NCAA to identify and self-report any violations that occurred within our football program. We believe these self-imposed penalties are appropriate and we will continue to coordinate and cooperate with the NCAA on this matter.” – Robert Munson, LSU Senior Associate Athletic Director
- The NCAA began investigating LSU’s athletic program for violations in 2018. There have been several alleged instances of impermissible payments and embezzlement by LSU boosters. Officials from LSU and NCAA communicated in July about potential penalties, including a postseason ban.
It is unclear whether these self-imposed sanctions will satisfy the NCAA or if they will seek further punishment.
