Leonard Fournette racked up 158 yards on the ground as LSU cruised to a 45-24 victory over South Carolina on Saturday. However, it was the people of South Carolina he wanted to address after the game.
The contest, that was originally supposed to be played in South Carolina, was relocated to Baton Rouge due to flooding throughout the Columbia area from Hurricane Joaquin. Being from New Orleans, Fournette can sympathize with those affected and wanted them to know they are in this thoughts and prayers.
During his postgame interview, Fournette read a statement he prepared that was directed at people in South Carolina.
“First I’d like to read something I typed for the people of South Carolina. I want to send my prayers, condolences and empathy to the people of South Carolina. What they are going through reminds me of what my people in New Orleans, Louisiana, went through 10 years ago with Hurricane Katrina. I would like to auction off my game jersey, as is, to the highest bidder to help out with the relief efforts. People of Louisiana not only care, but know first-hand what you, South Carolina, are going through,” Fournette read.
A moment of class indeed by Fournette, that has been supported by the NCAA.
Leonard Fournette can auction his jersey for SC flood victims.
— NCAA (@NCAA) October 11, 2015
Fournette originally indicated he would not be able to auction the jersey. Thankfully, the NCAA reversed course. They still may not be the most popular with fans, but the NCAA made the right call on this one.
