Update: NCAA Reverses Decision To Block Fournette's Charity Effort
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — LSU running back and Heisman Trophy frontrunner Leonard Fournette had another spectacular game in LSU's 45-24 rout of South Carolina.
However, his performence on the field took a back seat to the NCAA's infuriating response to Fournette's attempt at auctioning off his game-used jersey, in order to raise money for the South Carolina Flood Relief effort.
The game between LSU and South Carolina was originally supposed to take place in South Carolina, but because of the flooding and weather conditions, the teams agreed it would be best to move the game to LSU's stadium.
Fournette rushed for 158 yards and scored a TD, but his postgame interview was more impressive than his stats.
Wow. Leonard Fournette says he's auctioning off his game jersey to help out SC flood victims pic.twitter.com/mWQiMJfQWU
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 10, 2015
Fournette, who is from New Orleans, said he wanted to auction off his jersey to the highest bidder in order to raise money for the flood relief fund, but when the NCAA heard of the proposed-auction, they quickly shut it down.
#LSU RB Leonard Fournette says the NCAA will not allow him to auction his jersey for the SC flooding relief. "Violation," he said.
— Ross Dellenger (@DellengerAdv) October 10, 2015
I understand the NCAA not wanting this to become a trend, but if 100% of the proceeds go directly to the relief fund, what is the issue?
Worst case scenario, charities and organizations will receive more donations from college players who are donating in the only way they can.
It's not like Fournette is getting paid to play for LSU, so why would the NCAA care if he wants to auction off his jersey completely for charity?
LF on jersey-gate: "They're not going to let me do it. That's what I wanted to do. I wanted to help out the families over there." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@DellengerAdv) October 11, 2015
After receiving harsh criticism, the NCAA recently reversed it's course and will in fact allow Fournette to auction his jersey off for charity.
Leonard Fournette can auction his jersey for SC flood victims.
— NCAA (@NCAA) October 11, 2015
(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
