After thinking about it, LSU’s exiled Tyrann Mathieu has indicated he would consider staying at the school if he has a chance to be reinstated to the team next season.
When coach Les Miles made his bombshell announcement that Mathieu, called the Honey Badger, was kicked off the team, it was unclear if it was a permanent banishment. But a source told ESPN that it was not permanent and that it’s possible for Mathieu to be reinstated at LSU in the future.
One of the most dynamic players in college football, Mathieu was said to be considering transferring to McNeese State, Prairie View A&M and Jackson State. The rising junior would be able to play at those schools this year.
He is hoping to stay at LSU in part because of the “support system” at the school, the network reported. Mathieu has two years of eligibility remaining and three years in which to use that eligibilty.
Mathieu was dismissed from the team Friday following failed substance-abuse tests, but he was not dismissed by the university. The possibility of reinstatement would have to be approved at many levels, including university administration as well as Miles, and it is being discussed.
Mathieu has visited McNeese State, and that remains an option, according to a source close to Mathieu. And although other FCS schools, including Jackson State and Prairie View A&M, have expressed interest, they are not options at this time.
Mathieu has been described as “heartbroken” and “grieving” since his dismissal from the team.
Mathieu has told people close to him that he is interested in working on his maturity and character and also in seeking out any way to continue his education at LSU.
The possibility of declaring for the NFL draft after this season also exists. But Mathieu has told people close to him that draft status it is not a priority at this time. If he were to stay at LSU, paying his own way for at least one season is a possibility.
