Tyrann Mathieu's issues with drug use already cost him a season at LSU in which he would've entered as a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Now, it could cost him much more. Mathieu, along with former LSU players Jordan Jefferson, Karnell Hatcher, and Derrick Bryant, was arrested Thursday and charged with an assortment of drug-related charges. Mathieu and Jefferson were charged with simple possession. Hatcher was charged with 2nd Offense Simple Possession of Marijuana, and more seriously, Bryant was charged with Possession with Intent to distribute.
Tyrann Mathieu’s drug arrest likely ends his LSU football career
Jordan Jefferson, Tyrann Mathieu and two others were arrested on drug charges Thursday. What does it mean for the Honey Badgers future? Mark Ennis breaks down the arrests and their implications.
Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
The details of Thursday's arrest do not look good for any of the four men involved. According to a report from WBRZ.com, Jefferson attempted to force his way into the apartment complex when a maintenance worker confronted him and attempted to stop him from entering the complex. He was eventually let into the complex, but the police had already been called, reporting that the man in question had entered Mathieu's apartment. When police arrived, they reportedly smelled a "strong smell of marijuana." After Mathieu gave consent to search the apartment, police reportedly found a marijuana grinder, a digital scale, and "10 bags of high grade marijuana."
Today's arrest likely ends any hope that Mathieu had of returning to the LSU football team in 2013. Rather than transfer to a lower-level school and play football immediately in preparation for a career in the NFL, Mathieu opted to enter drug rehab and remain a student at LSU in hopes of returning to the football team next season. Some remained skeptical that Mathieu would return, despite rehab, after Pete Thamel's Sports Illustrated report questioned whether Mathieu's activities promoting a night club could put his amateur status in jeopardy.
Thursday's arrest for drug possession puts Mathieu's entire future both as a football player and student at LSU in jeopardy. LSU's code of student conduct states that student can face disciplinary action, including expulsion, for "drug violations that occur off campus." That being the case, Mathieu's time in Baton Rouge could soon be coming to an end. Additionally, a player with multiple drug-related strikes against will probably be a risk too big for an NFL general manager to take in the future. It's worth noting that players who do have substance abuse in the past have been given a chance in the league, though, even if their draft stocks took a significant hit.
It remains unclear whether his personal issues with substance abuse mean we've seen the Honey Badger play football for the last time. And for now, Mathieu has bigger issues to deal with as he faces the legal consequences stemming from Thursday's arrest.
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