Why was Odell Beckham Jr. banned from LSU facilities? All we know about bizarre incident following 2020 national championship win
Odell Beckham Jr. once cost his former school, the LSU Tigers, a Level III violation. It seems like a lifetime has already passed, but only four years ago, student-athletes weren't allowed to receive any remuneration for their on-field performances in college athletics.
During the pre-NIL deals era, Beckham got LSU into trouble when he handed out money to players during the celebrations of the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship game.
Joe Burrow's Tigers had just beaten the Clemson Tigers 42-25, and the then-Cleveland Browns player was seen handing thousands of dollars to four LSU players. After the incident, the LSU Tigers banned Odell Beckham Jr. for two years from their facilities, gave up eight scholarships, and reduced recruiting visits as part of the self-imposed penalties for the improper booster payments violation.
At that time, LSU senior associate athletic director Robert Munson said the following in a statement:
"LSU has worked proactively and in cooperation with the NCAA to identify and self-report any violations that occurred within our football program. We believe these self-imposed penalties are appropriate and we will continue to coordinate and cooperate with the NCAA on this matter."
The entire matter fell into a wider discussion of potential LSU payments to players. At that time, LSU men's basketball coach Will Wade was under investigation for arranging what the ruling body called "impermissible payments". There was also another investigation on LSU booster John Paul Funes, who allegedly was:
"Providing funds to the families of current and former student-athletes, arranging for members of the institution's football staff to use a private plane, and offering internships to football student-athletes."
What did Odell Beckham Jr. achieve at LSU?
Odell Beckham Jr. played for LSU from 2011 and 2013, with his breakthrough season coming in 2013. That year, Beckham Jr. had 1152 receiving yards, and eight touchdown catches. He also contributed 845 yards in kickoff returns and had 160 rushing yards.
Following his best season, he received a First Team All-American and First Team All-SEC selection. He then moved to the NFL and was the 12th overall pick in 2014, going to the New York Giants. He stayed with the Giants until 2018, before playing for the Browns, Rams, and Ravens.