Louisiana State University football star facing drug charges

One of Louisiana’s star athletes who was already dismissed from playing football for the LSU team is now facing criminal charges. The drug charges now pending Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu come just months after he was a finalist for the coveted Heisman Trophy. In addition, Mathieu was on the fast track to football success and was named one of the best five players last year.

The arrest came as a result of police being called to an apartment community after someone allegedly tried to force their way through the security gate, and police say they were able to establish which apartment that person entered. When they knocked at that location, Mathieu answered the door and gave them permission to search the premises. Along with Mathieu, there were three other men in the apartment. Police say they found a grinder, scale, and 10 bags of marijuana. Police also say that one of the men was the one who was reported to have been seen at the security gate.

Mathieu was processed on a drug possession charge. Two others in the room were charged with possession with intent to distribute. It is unclear when Mathieu or the other defendants will be arraigned on the charges.

Though Mathieu was in the Louisiana apartment with the drugs and paraphernalia, it may have been he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. As these drug charges move forward and Mathieu prepares to defend himself against the accusations, he will likely seek to investigate all aspects of the arrest and charges. For Mathieu, his potential future as a professional football player may well depend on achieving a favorable result in the coming proceedings. Each person charged may face severe consequences should a conviction ultimately be obtained, and for that reason alone need to ensure their legal rights are protected as their case is heard.

Source: CNN, “LSU’s ‘Honey Badger’ Mathieu arrested on drug charge,” Greg Botelho, Oct. 30, 2012