As if it needed any additional confirmation, a close family member of Tyrann Mathieu has confirmed to ESPN.com that the former LSU All-American cornerback will not play football at any level in 2012.
“Tyrann is focused on addressing his issues with Mr. Lucas,” Tyrone Mathieu told the website. "(Lucas’) story speaks for itself. He can help Tyrann and he can help our family.”
“Mr. Lucas” is John Lucas, the former NBA star whose career was nearly derailed by drugs and who subsequently opened a nationally renowned rehab facility based in Houston.
The 2011 Heisman finalist and Bednarik winner was dismissed by the Tigers earlier this month for what was subsequently reported as “repeated violations of LSU’s substance abuse policy for athletes.” A week after his dismissal, it was reported that Mathieu had entered a rehab program, which the player had confirmed through various tweets from his Twitter.
Following a visit to McNeese State shortly after his dismissal, and with his name connected to at least a couple of other FCS-level programs, it was reported that Mathieu wanted to sit out the 2012 and pursue for a potential return to LSU.
While Mathieu was dismissed, the school’s policy allows for a potential return, although it remains unclear whether the football program will be interested in a Honey Badger v2.0.