Report: Mathieu, other Tigers might have violated NCAA rules

Sports Illustrated is reporting that former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu might have violated NCAA rules by promoting a night club while he was still on the Tigers football squad. The magazine reports Mathieu appeared in a video, made by a group of his friends that goes by the name Era Nation, in which he promotes a party at a Baton Rouge club called The Palace on March 10 of this year. His pictures were also on flyers promoting the event called “Era Nation Album Release Party For Tyrann Mathieu.” The flyer also featured photographs of former LSU standout Mo Claiborne and current LSU sophomore defensive tackle Anthony Johnson. NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from allowing their names or pictures to be used in advertising the sale of a product or service. Johnson has denied any involvement; Claiborne says he was aware of the party but did not attend. LSU says the school, including coach Les Miles, is unaware of players using their images to promote events or receiving extra benefits. You can read the entire Sports Illustrated story, which is the cover of the Oct. 22 issue and delves into “the perilous road of the Honey Badger,” here.