LSU coach Les Miles reiterated Tuesday that All-America defensive back Tyrann Mathieu will not play for the Tigers this season and chose not speculate beyond that.
Mathieu was kicked off the team Friday after violating team and university policy. Miles said then, “He will not be back.”
On Monday, ESPN reported that Mathieu was interested is returning to school and paying his own way this season in hopes of being able to rejoin the football team for the 2013 season.
LSU officials have confirmed that Mathieu, a Heisman Trophy finalist last season who has two years of eligibility remaining, could re-enter the university but have not addressed how or even whether he could wind up on the football team down the road.
“I’m rooting for Ty in whatever his future is, but I’m not focused on that,” Miles said when asked about Mathieu’s future after practice Tuesday. “I’ve got games to play and I’ve got 104 guys that I have to ready for. I know that this is a very key time in his life and I hope that the decisions that he makes are in his best interest. for the long term. We’ll help any way we can.”
LSU officials have not said what policy was violated by Mathieu, but it has been widely reported that he was kicked off the team for failing multiple drug tests.
“I am not in any way speculating,” Miles said. “He’ll not be on this football team this year. I guarantee. That’s a fact. So I have no idea beyond that.”
McNeese State confirmed that Mathieu met with coach Matt Viator about possibly enrolling and playing for the Cowboys this season. Mathieu would have to sit out this season before he could play at a Football Bowl Dubdivision program. He could play for a lower level program, such as McNeese this season.
When asked Tuesday what he says to prospective suitors of Mathieu, Miles spoke highly of Mathieu just as he had last week in announcing his dismissal.
“I recommend him,” Miles said. “He’s a wonderful young man. I think he’s a team player. I think he’s improved in his maturit,. That’s kind of how I would speak about him – that he deserves every opportunity.”
