Things could definitely be going better for Ed Orgeron right now.
LSU sits at 1-2 on the season after a season-opening loss to Mississippi State and getting upset by Missouri in Columbia a week ago. Now, the program has announced that it has put in self-imposing penalties including cutting eight scholarships.
The program has also banned Odell Beckham Jr. from all activities for two seasons. The former Tigers star was seen handing out cash to players on the field following LSU’s win against Clemson in the national title game this past January.
“LSU has worked proactively and in cooperation with the NCAA to identify and self-report any violations that occurred within our football program,” Robert Munson, LSU Senior Associate Athletic Director, said in the statement. “We believe these self-imposed penalties are appropriate and we will continue to coordinate and cooperate with the NCAA on this matter.”
LSU officials notified the NCAA of its self-imposed sanctions earlier this month, sources said. The program will give up four scholarships in each of the next two years for a total of eight. Teams are normally allowed to have a maximum of 85 players on scholarship per year. The penalties will not impact the team’s ability to sign the maximum of 25 newcomers a year. 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.
LSU’s game this past Saturday against Florida was postponed until Dec. 12 because of positive COVID-19 results by the Gators.
