Tyrann Mathieu kicked off LSU football team

Tyrann Mathieu, a Heisman Trophy finalist nicknamed the Honey Badger, has been kicked off the Louisiana State football team for violating team and university rules.

The defensive back, who was entering his junior season, had been a dynamo on defense and special teams for the Tigers, who are ranked No. 1 in the USA Today coaches’ preseason college football poll. Mathieu scored four touchdowns last season, two on fumble returns and two on punt returns, while intercepting two passes, causing six fumbles and recovering four fumbles.

The All-American defender won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defensive player in the nation last season.

“We’ll miss the guy,” said Coach Les Miles, who did not specify the violation that led to Mathieu’s dismissal. “The football team’s got to go on. We’ll have to fill the void.”

Mathieu was suspended for one game last season for failing a drug test. The Tigers, who lost in the national championship game to SEC rival Alabama, were able to beat Auburn, 45-10, without him.

Mathieu, who has two years of eligibility, could transfer, although he would have to sit out this season if he played at a major college. He’d be eligible immediately if he transferred to a school in a lower level.

“I can’t imagine he would be here and not want to transfer and go play football,” Miles said. “We will help him in every way we can.”

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