LSU Tigers Suspend Three Tigers Indefinitely, No Timetable for Return

The three players are being suspended for two separate incidents. 

News broke Thursday night that Shepard would not be a part of the Tigers depth chart for the foreseeable future. The ineligibility issue for Shepard stems from an inquiry during the NCAA's investigation in the connection between LSU and Will Lyles, according to the Associated Press. 

He can practice with the team, but has been ruled ineligible by LSU as they seek clearance from the NCAA. There is no timetable for Shepard's return.

Shepard allegedly discussed an NCAA inquiry with a teammate who was scheduled to be interviewed about the same matter, a violation of both LSU and the NCAA's codes.

The other two players, Jefferson and Johns, were both arrested on felony second degree battery charges and subsequently suspended. The charges stem from their alleged roles in a fight outside Shady's bar in Baton Rouge in the early morning hours of Friday, Aug. 19.

The players turned themselves in at about 10:15 a.m. Friday. Bond was set at $5,000 for each and both posted bond and were released before noon.

Jefferson and Johns have also hired new, separate attorneys. According to The Advocate, Jefferson hired Lewis Unglesby and Johns hired Tommy Damico.

"Today is a sad day for the city of Baton Rouge," said Baton Rouge Police Chief Dewayne White in a brief statement at a Friday afternoon press conference. "Today is a sad day for the Louisiana State University, the LSU alumni and the countless fans that follow the Tiger football program. It is also a sad day for the Baton Rouge Police Department."

While many fans may think this means the incident is finally behind the school, the fact is that's not true.

The Baton Rouge police department will turn over the information and evidence it gathered to the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office in the next "several days." After that the district attorney's office may choose to do its own follow-up investigation. It also must decide if it will go to the grand jury to seek and indictment.

If the case turns out to be primarily based on contradictory statements from witnesses, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III said the best way to secure the truth might be to bring it before a grand jury.

"That's the only way to get witness statements under oath," he said.

The case has been assigned to State District Judge Chip Moore.

For LSU, meanwhile they must pick up the pieces and focus on Oregon, and fast. Following his Friday practice, Miles met with the media and announced senior Jarrett Lee as LSU's new starting quarterback. Despite having a game plan moving forward, both ordeals have obviously been taxing on the Tigers.

"It is certainly a tough time for the team to see a teammate in peril," said Miles. "It is interesting, I saw emotion on that field, but we had a great practice. They really put it behind them."

The decision to go to Lee was officially made today, but Miles stated that the team was preparing for the possibility that Lee would get the call. So, now its up to LSU to turn the page and try to focus solely on football.

"I think we all understand our marching orders," said Miles. "I think our team understands that there's not much they can do specifically to help Josh or Jordan. It's more about preparing to play."

Miles added that a decision on whether Johns or Jefferson will be allowed to practice with the team like Shepard has not been made and probably won't be made until next week.


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Posted at 5:00 AM. Labeled under CFB, Jeannine LeJeune, Jordan Jefferson, LSU Tigers, News, Russell Shepard, SEC .