Alleva addresses rumors of ineligible Tigers

LSU Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director Joe Alleva released a brief statement today addressing unconfirmed reports LSU Tiger quarterback Jarrett Lee and other players may be declared ineligible for postseason play for academic reasons. “Despite media and message board speculation, no LSU student-athletes have been declared ineligible for post-season competition,” Alleva says in the statement. “The current semester is not complete and finals are still ahead, so it is grossly unfair to our student-athletes and it is both premature and irresponsible to speculate on the final grades and postseason eligibility of our student-athletes.” Coach Les Miles addressed the rumors in his own way at his press conference Monday, saying, “This time of year everybody responds and comes back. It’s time to pick it up. There’s no difference with our football team. Academic issues are private in my mind.” Lee started the first nine games this season, but was pulled in favor of senior Jordan Jefferson after throwing two first-half interceptions in LSU’s 9-6 victory at No. 2 Alabama on Nov. 5. Jefferson, who missed the first four games because of legal issues in connection with an Aug. 19 bar fight, has started the past three games, and Lee threw just five passes in those games. Lee has completed 104 of 167 passes for 1,306 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions this season. No. 1 LSU plays No. 14 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game at 3 p.m. Saturday. The game will be televised by CBS.