LSU self-imposes recruiting restrictions, bans Odell Beckham, Jr., from campus
LSU will voluntarily reduce the number of scholarships on its roster and recruiting visits in upcoming years while also banning Odell Beckham, Jr., from campus, according to a report Wednesday from Sports Illustrated.
The penalties stem from separate events but are intertwined in an overarching NCAA investigation into LSU athletics.
As punishment for a booster funneling $180,000 to the father of former LSU offensive lineman Vadal Alexander -- money that was illegally obtained by the booster embezzling funds from a local hospital -- LSU will reduce its 85-man scholarship limit to 81 over the next two years. The school will also inflict the following restrictions:
Recruiting reductions include the elimination of 12.5% of official and unofficial visits, a 21-day reduction of the normal 168 days of allowable off-campus contacts and a six-week ban in communication with prospects.
Additionally, LSU placed restrictions on Ed Orgeron after self-reporting an impermissible recruiting contract.
Beckham has been banned from campus after handing out $2,000 in cash immediately following LSU's win in the CFP National Championship in January.
LSU made the moves as a defensive measure against the NCAA. The organization is in the midst of an investigation into the LSU basketball program, which stemmed from the FBI's longstanding probe into the sport.
By instituting these punishments, LSU is hoping to keep football walled off from basketball. The NCAA could still impose additional punishments on LSU and/or drop a dreaded Lack of Institutional Control charge against the entire athletics department.
“The football inquiry is finished and prepared for resolution,” LSU wrote to the NCAA. “The football inquiry should not sit idle and stall while the basketball inquiry proceeds over the next 6 to 12 months. ... Referral of the football inquiry to the IARP based on the alleged actions of the men's basketball coach is not logical.”
