Football Self-Imposes Sanctions

The LSU football program announced self-imposed penalties Wednesday afternoon for rule violations in the hope that the NCAA doesn’t come down with any further sanctions.

The news was reported by Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger and Pat Forde.

LSU will reduce the number of available scholarships it has by eight—losing four in both 2021 and 2022—and is also banning former Tiger wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from its facilities for two years after Beckham handed out $2,000 in cash to players after LSU defeated Clemson in January’s national championship game.

“LSU has worked proactively and in cooperation with the NCAA to identify and self-report any violations that occurred within our football program,” Robert Munson, LSU Senior Associate Athletic Director said in a statement to SI. “We believe these self-imposed penalties are appropriate and we will continue to coordinate and cooperate with the NCAA on this matter.”

The biggest sin is booster payments given to former Tiger offensive linemen Vadal Alexander’s father. Alexander's father received $180,000 from John Paul Funes, who embezzled nearly half a million dollars from Our Lady of the Lake hospital. The money was payment for a “no-show” job. Funes is now serving three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering.

The loss of scholarships will not affect LSU’s ability to sign 25 players in the 2021 or ‘22 recruiting classes. However, per SI’s report, LSU will have a 12.5 % reduction in both official and unofficial visits, lose 21 days from the 168 days of allowed off-campus contact, and be banned for six weeks from communicating with prospects.

This story will be updated...