LSU running back Leonard Fournette, the most explosive and talented running back in all of college football this season, and one of a small handful of Heisman hopefuls, had a tough day on the field against the seemingly NFL-ready Alabama Crimson Tide defensive front this past weekend. From the sounds of this report from Josh Peter of USA TODAY Sports, Fournette may be on the verge of a few bad days off of it in the coming days as well, thanks in large part to the actions of his family.
"Bob Barton, an attorney representing LSU, has begun interviewing people involved in a website that was built to sell merchandise emblazoned with 'BUGA Nation' - Leonard Fournette's catchphrase - the person told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday."
Barton works for the law firm of Taylor Porter in Baton Rouge and specializes in "matters involving NCAA rules," according to Peter. Barton declined to comment.
The family's so-called "manager," Paul Price, reportedly made payments of approximately $10,000, to "build a website and produce merchandise" to be sold, the owners of three companies told Peter. Price and the Fournette's were given about $20,000 in discounts because they "expected strong sales driven by the star running back's popularity."
Per Peter's report, the sit launched the week of LSU's 2014 season opener, but Fournette's mother, Lory, contends that it ceased operations "within 24 hours."
Of course, whether the NCAA should have any right to stop the players off of which they make millions of dollars in revenue from also profiting from their own likeness and/or the sales of their jerseys and other merchandise, is another issue entirely.
