Tyrann Mathieu: ‘Honey Badger’ Won’t Be Able To Return To LSU

Tyrann Mathieu might not want to be done with LSU, but LSU is definitely be done with him.

The multi-talented cornerback and kick returner was booted from the Tigers team after failing a substance-abuse test. ESPN.com reported that Tyrann Mathieu initially said that he wanted to return to the team in 2013 after sitting out a season, but now it appears that isn’t an option.

LSU’s senior associate athletic director for NCAA compliance said that Tyrann Mathieu has lost the option to play for the team again, Gannett Louisiana reported. Bo Bahnson said that he initial report from ESPN.com was wrong about Mathieu’s future.

“He’s permanently ineligible to play football at LSU,” Bahnsen said. “That’s definite. That’s what was said Friday.”

Tyrann Mathieu, who earned the nickname “Honey Badger” with Tigers fans, was reportedly heartbroken at the news of his failed drug test. Bahnsen noted that Mathieu can stay at the university if he so chooses, but, at this point, he’s nothing more than a student.

“He would have to pay his own way, but he can go to class here and graduate,” Bahnsen said.

Mathieu was also suspended for one game last season after a second positive drug test.

Tyrann Mathieu has other options for his football future, but only if he acts fast, the Washington Post noted. He is eligible to transfer to another Football Championship Subdivision school and play in the 2012 season, but, if he wants to play in the Football Bowl Subdivision — formerly known as Division I-A — he will have to sit out 2012. Mathieu has until Wednesday to make a decision, Jim Kleinpeter of Nola.com reported.

Tyrann Mathieu visited McNeese State over the weekend but has not said if he plans to transfer to the FCS school. Last season, he had finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy and won the Bednarik Award, which goes to the nation’s best defensive player.