Report: LSU investigating if Fournette family broke NCAA rules

LSU is investigating whether the family of Leonard Fournette violated NCAA rules when they started a website to sell merchandise with Fournette’s ‘BUGA Nation’ catchphrase. 

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Leonard Fournette lost a chance at an undefeated season after the LSU Tigers lost to the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday, he may have fallen out of the Heisman lead and his eligibility is coming into question, according to a report from USA TODAY Sports.

According to the report, LSU is investigating a matter stemming from Fournette’s family arranging an operation to build a website that would sell hats, shirts and merchandise with the running back’s catchphrase “BUGA Nation” on them.

NCAA rules state a player or a player’s family can’t profit off an athlete’s name, image or likeness. Fournette’s mother, Lory, says the family made sure Leonard’s name of image wasn’t used on the merchandise. However, LSU’s purple and gold color scheme was if that means anything.

The website ceased operations within 24 hours of opening before the 2014 season opener for Fournette when he made his college debut for LSU.

The sticking point could be with family managers and handlers and how the money was acquired to build the website in the first place.

"“Paul Price, described by Fournette’s mother as the family’s manager, made payments of about $10,000 to build a website and produce the merchandise to be sold, the owners of three companies involved told USA TODAY Sports. The owners said they gave Price and the Fournettes more than $20,000 in discounts because they expected strong sales driven by the star running back’s popularity. Even with the discounts, one of the business owners said he has yet to be paid in full.”"

Stay tuned as more developments come from the investigation but there’s no plans of Fournette being held out as the investigation continues and is expected to play for the Tigers on Saturday against Arkansas in Tiger Stadium.

We haven’t seen Fournette slowed by any defenses this year until Alabama stoned him on Saturday, but he could be facing a bigger test with this investigation if it costs him any games, which would be a real shame.