LSU Releases Statement Regarding Money Incident Involving Odell Beckham Following Championship Win

School working with NCAA to resolve postgame incident involving Beckham and student athletes

After a video of former Tiger receiver Odell Beckham Jr. handing out what appeared to be cash to players went viral, LSU is investigating whether or not the money was real. In a statement, the school says it is working with its student-athletes, the NCAA and the SEC "to rectify the situation." 

Initially it was believed Beckham was handing members of the team fake cash after the Tigers won the national championship Monday and a school official told the Advocate that there were "novelty bills" found on the ground after the game. LSU receivers Justin Jefferson and Jontre Kirklin were the players shown in the video with Beckham.

The school immediately launched an investigation working in conjunction with the NCAA. 

While making an appearance on popular podcast "Pardon My Take," LSU quarterback Joe Burrow said the money Beckham was handing players was real.

"I'm not a student-athlete anymore," Burrow said. "So I can say yeah."

On Wednesday, the school released the following statement:

“We are aware of the situation regarding Odell Beckham Jr. interacting with LSU student-athletes and others unaffiliated with the team following the championship game Monday night. Initial information suggested bills that were exchanged were novelty bills. Information and footage reviewed since shows apparent cash may have also been given to LSU student-athletes. We were in contact with the NCAA and the SEC immediately upon learning of this situation in which some of our student-athletes may have been placed in a compromising position. We are working with our student-athletes, the NCAA and the SEC in order to rectify the situation.”

Further updates will be provided when made available.