Tyrann Mathieu reportedly had interest in returning to LSU’s football team next year after being dismissed from the team last week, but that will not happen. The Heisman Trophy candidate is permanently ineligible to play football for the school.
Mathieu, aka the “Honey Badger,” was kicked off the team last week for reportedly repeatedly testing positive for marijuana. Though Mathieu was exploring his transfer options, a report from ESPN said the defensive back was considering sitting out the season and enrolling in classes in hopes of being reinstated for the 2013 season. But that won’t be happening.
“He’s permanently ineligible to play football at LSU,” LSU senior associate athletic director for NCAA compliance Bo Bahnsen told USA Today Sports. “That’s definite. That’s what was said Friday.”
LSU’s substance abuse policy reportedly states that a third violation of drug use will result in “permanent ineligibility to participate at LSU.”
Mathieu can continue as a student at LSU, but he has lost his scholarship. It looks more and more like transferring is his only option if he wants to continue his collegiate playing career.
Some may think LSU’s actions are an overreaction to a minor problem, but it sounds like Mathieu was given many opportunities to change and he didn’t. Maybe this sort of punishment will teach him some discipline and respect for rules.
