LSU Releases Statement On Odell Beckham Jr. Handing Out Cash To Players
LSU's celebration following Monday night's National Championship win to cap off a perfect 15-0 season had plenty of highlights.
From victory cigars to Coach O's celebratory meal, there were nearly as many celebratory highlights as there were game highlights.
One highlight that stood out was a social media video of LSU Alum and NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. handing out stacks of what appeared to be hundred dollar bills to wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jontre Kirklin on the field in celebration of the win.
Jefferson declared for the NFL Draft today. Kirklin is a junior with a year of eligibility left.
Heisman winner Joe Burrow admitted on Barstool Sports "Pardon My Take" podcast the money was real.
"I'm not a student-athlete anymore, so I can say yeah," Burrow said on "Pardon My Take" when asked about OBJ's postgame 'gifts'.
After initially suggesting the money was fake, LSU now says new information suggests otherwise, releasing the following statement.
"We are aware of the situation regarding Odell Beckham Jr. interacting with LSU student-athletes and others unaffiliated with the team following the championship game Monday night," the LSU statement said. "Initial information suggested bills that were exchanged were novelty bills. Information and footage reviewed since shows apparent cash may have also been given to LSU student-athletes.
"We were in contact with the NCAA and the SEC immediately upon learning of this situation in which some of our student-athletes may have been placed in a compromising position. We are working with our student-athletes, the NCAA and the SEC in order to rectify the situation."