News of LSU's dismissal of 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist Tyrann Mathieu came today Friday August 10th.  According to reports from ESPN.com the cornerback's repeated violations of LSU's substance abuse policy may have played a factor.

 

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During a press conference LSU coach Les Miles gives a brief explanation as to why Tyrann "The Honey Badger" Mathieu was let go.

 

 

The shocking news comes just shy of LSU's opening season. Though Les Miles was a bit vague about why he dismissed Tyrann, however as valuable a player as he was, what ever he did must have out waned keeping him on the team.

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Last season Tyrann, was a surprise finalist for the Heisman and won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's best defensive player.  The junior defensive back was a baller, not doubt about it.  He helped the Tigers win the SEC championship and reach the BCS title game.

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As LSU enters this season they are ranked No. 1 in the USA Today coaches' poll.  Things are looking good as the Tigers opened preseason camp last week as one of the favorites to reach the national championship game....again  Ironically, LSU started closing practices on Wednesday, and Tyrann was at every practice until Friday morning, when he was informed of his dismissal.

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LSU athletic director Joe Alleva said that Tyrann's rule violations were an "ongoing issue."  Coach Alleva went on to say, "This was just a team policy, not going to confirm or deny either way. The policy is a written policy. It's like the speed limit, if you are going over the speed limit, you're breaking the law.  He's been over the speed limit.  As in, he's been over it a lot.

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When the coach was asked if his dismissal had to do with a legal issue.  Alleva said, that it was mainly "policy," and added, "We do everything we can to help these kids. He's had help and we've been trying to help him all along in everything.  Being an athlete is a privilege.  You have to follow the rules to take advantage of that privilege and unfortunately, he doesn't have that privilege here any more.  He's a good kid.  He really is a good kid, it's a shame.  But I told him this morning, that he has the rest of his life.  His life is still ahead of him.  He still has an opportunity to do good things."

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So, were does LSU stand without Tyrann?  ESPN reports, that LSU isn't quite as deep at cornerback as it was last season.  Tharold Simon is the other expected starter, next up are redshirt freshman Jalen Collins and freshman Jalen Mills.

As for Tyrann, no comment yet, but as always we will keep you posted.  In the meantime, everyone is waiting to see where he's going to turn up next.  Tyrann actually has two years of eligibility left as far as football is concerned.  So, we will see.

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