LSU bans its football team from next month's bowl games as NCAA probes improper payments by boosters after 'one player's father got a $180,000 no-show job from 2012 until 2017'
Louisiana State University is banning itself from next month's bowl games in cooperation with the NCAA's investigation into Tigers players allegedly receiving improper payments from boosters.
'LSU leadership made this decision after careful deliberation and review of the NCAA rules violations that have been discovered in the university's cooperative investigation with the NCAA' and Independent Accountability Resolution Process, the athletic department said in a statement.
'This decision reflects LSU's commitment to compliance with NCAA regulations and maintenance of institutional control.'
Much of the NCAA's investigation of LSU's football program pre-dates the promotion Ed Orgeron to head coach during the 2016 season and hiring of current athletic director Scott Woodward in 2019.
Louisiana State University is banning itself from next month's bowl games in cooperation with the NCAA's investigation into Tigers players allegedly receiving improper payments from boosters. Much of the NCAA's investigation of LSU's football program pre-dates the promotion Ed Orgeron (front, in purple) to head coach during the 2016 season and hiring of current athletic director Scott Woodward in 2019
The penalty is mitigated, somewhat, by the circumstances surrounding this pandemic-plagued season.
For starters, social distancing guidelines will limit bowl game crowds considerably. And that means ticket revenue will be drastically reduced from a year ago, when the Tigers beat Oklahoma and Clemson in the college football playoff and final to win a national title. (LSU's football team reportedly made a net profit of $56.6 million last season)
More importantly, the defending champions are just a bad football team in 2020.
Their 3-5 record would preclude them from appearing in a bowl game during a normal season. A rule change for 2020 allows teams with losing records to be selected, but even that may not have helped LSU, which still has to face No. 6 Florida on Saturday.
Some of the more serious allegations involved LSU booster John Paul Funes , a former chief executive for a Baton Rouge hospital foundation. He was accused of paying a player's father $180,000 for a 'no-show job' between 2012 and 2017
'I respect the university's decision to proactively address NCAA issues from the past,' Orgeron said. 'I share the disappointment of our student-athletes who will not be able to compete this season in a bowl game. I am especially proud of our players´ dedication to the program during these unprecedented times in our country.'
Some of the more serious allegations involved LSU booster John Paul Funes, who is a former chief executive for a Baton Rouge hospital foundation. He has been accused of paying a player's father $180,000 for a 'no-show job' between 2012 and 2017.
According to a federal indictment against Funes, the LSU player was former offensive lineman Vadal Alexander, sources told ESPN. Alexander was a four-year starter in Baton Rouge, during which time his father, James, was allegedly paid for that no-show job.
Prosecutors say Funes, the fired president and CEO of Our Lady of the Lakes Foundation, falsified records in order to use the charity's money for gift cards and to send family and friends to LSU and New Orleans Saints football games.
In 2019, Funes pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and money laundering for the purposes of stealing more than $550,000. He was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison.
Alexander went on to have a brief career with the Oakland Raiders.
According to a federal indictment against Funes, the LSU player was former offensive lineman Vadal Alexander, sources told ESPN . Alexander was a four-year starter in Baton Rouge, during which time his father, James, was allegedly paid for that no-show job. Alexander went on to have a brief career with the Oakland Raiders
The bowl ban comes in addition to sanctions LSU already has self-imposed, including a reduction of four scholarships in each of the next two seasons.
LSU also has banned NFL and former Tigers receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from formally participating in an LSU functions for for two years.
Videos posted on social media showed Beckham placing money in the hand of Tigers receiver Justin Jefferson and celebrating with players in LSU's locker room in the Superdome
Beckham was recorded on video handing out cash to LSU football players during on-field celebrations immediately after a 42-25 victory over Clemson in last season's national championship game in the Superdome.
The NCAA previously charged LSU's football program with a Level III violation for the incident.
'We regret the impact that this decision has on our current student-athletes, but we make it in the best interest of the football program and university,' the athletic department statement said. 'LSU will continue to cooperate with the NCAA and IARP throughout the enforcement process.'
LSU athletics spokesman Michael Bonnette said initial information suggested that Beckham handed out 'novelty bills' to players after the top-ranked Tigers defeated Clemson at the Superdome in New Orleans.
However, further investigation showed that Beckham may have given away real money, Bonnette said.
Quarterback Joe Burrow, who went on to be the first pick of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, confirmed to the 'Pardon My Take' podcast that Beckham did give him and other players real cash.
Quarterback Joe Burrow , who went on to be the first pick of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, confirmed to the 'Pardon My Take' podcast that Beckham did give him and other players real cash