Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has now found himself in a position where he has to tackle a rather tough foe… the justice system.
According to reports, an arrest warrant for simple battery has been issued for the former LSU wideout. Beckham Jr. was caught on camera Monday after the National Championship game slapping a security officer on the butt. After the officer notified the LSU players that they would be subject for arrest if they continued to smoke cigars in the locker room.
Reports also stated that the authorities wanted to charge the Cleveland Browns star with misdemeanor sexual battery. However, that was denied by a local judge.
Louisiana statute states that simple battery is battery committed without the victims consent. Punishment for this crime in the state of Louisiana can include a fine of no more than $1,000 and imprisonment for no more than six months, or both.
The Browns issued a statement Thursday regarding the matter.
The 27-year-old receiver was also seen handing out money to LSU players during the postgame festivities following the Tigers win. The school initially said that the money was fake, however, quarterback Joe Burrow said the cash was real via Barstool Sports “Pardon My Take” Podcast.
If the money Beckham handed out turns out to be reported as real, it would be a violation of NCAA bylaws. Cash is one example of impermissible benefits that are prohibited by the governing body. LSU released a statement saying that they will look into this further.
“We are aware of the situation regarding Odell Beckham Jr. interacting with LSU student-athletes and others unaffiliated with the team following the championship game Monday night,” the statement read. “Initial information suggested bills that were exchanged were novelty bills. Information and footage reviewed since shows apparent cash may have also been given to LSU student-athletes. We were in contact with the NCAA and the SEC immediately upon learning of this situation in which some of our student-athletes may have been placed in a compromising position. We are working with our student-athletes, the NCAA and the SEC in order to rectify the situation.”
