Former LSU Tigers cornerback Tyrann Mathieu has all but sure eliminated the possible return to the team after being arrested Thursday on drug-related charges along with three former Tigers.
In a statement from the Baton Rouge Police Department, former LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson and Mathieu were charged with simple possession of marijuana. Former Tigers linebacker Karnell Hatcher was also arrested and charged with simple possession, while former defensive back Derrick Bryant is facing the heaviest charge of possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police reported receiving a phone call to the apartment complex in which Mathieu occupied, after an unknown male forced his way through the security gate, later to be identified as Jefferson by BRPD.
The police went to 20-year-old Mathieu’s apartment and when he answered the door officers could smell a high presence of marijuana. Mathieu gave consent for authorities to search the apartment and they discovered a marijuana grinder, a digital scale and 10 bags of high-grade marijuana, seven of which were found in Bryant’s backpack.
Mathieu, who is better known as the “Honey Badger,” was kicked off the team by head coach Les Miles for failing multiple drug tests. The 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist entered a drug rehabilitation center and enrolled back into LSU as a regular student with hopes of returning to the field in 2013.
Even if Mathieu had not been arrested Thursday, his return could have been more complicated than thought. In a recent feature on Mathieu in Sports Illustrated, the article alleges he engaged in impermissible promotional activities – mainly involving a group called New Era of which Mathieu was a member – among other things.
The article describes Mathieu using his notoriety to advertise parties for Era Nation and The Palace, a club in the Baton Rouge area. They added that Mathieu knew pictures taken of him would be used for promotional purposes since he received access to the club’s VIP area.
With the release of this article putting Mathieu’s eligibility on the line with a possible return to football, the Mathieu family took issue with the claims by the magazine.
“The twisted things and cobbled together details from past articles because we wouldn’t sit down with them,” Sheila Mathieu told Fox 8 Sports. “We have always believed in being a tight-knit family. God first, family second, work and school third. That’s what Tyrann is doing now, and he’s on an avenue to success, make good grades and putting his life in order.”
One thing is evident for the former LSU punt returner and game changer, his ‘avenue to success’ has taken another major hit. This latest arrest has possibly ended his career as a college football player and any aspirations of reaching the NFL.
