Louisiana State University (LSU) is looking into whether or not Leonard Fournette's family violated NCAA rules with a website briefly setup last year.
According to USA Today Sports, the Fournette family created a website in August, 2014 in order to sell "BUGA Nation" merchandise, inspired by a phrase LSU's star running back uses (Being United Generates Attitude). The family's manager, Paul Price, reportedly paid $10,000 for the creation of the website, owners of three companies involved in the website told the newspaper.
An unnamed source told The Advocate the Fournette family discussed the website with LSU's compliance office and took it down a day after launching it. The newspaper also reported obtaining documents that prove LSU did not report the website to the NCAA.
Citing unnamed sources, USA Today Sports learned LSU's attorney, Bob Barton, who specializes in NCAA policy, is currently interviewing people about the website.
While the NCAA strictly forbids student-athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness (NIL), the policy also extends to family members. However, it does not stop retailers from selling merchandise with star collegiate athletes' NILs.
Lory Fournette, Leonard's mother, confirmed to USA Today Sports sales were halted after the website shut down. The family also stressed that they did not use Leonard's NIL on the merchandise, just the BUGA Nation phrase and LSU's colors.
The website was apparently never active during Fournette's football career at LSU, as it was taken down shortly before the first game of his freshman season. That season, he went on to run for 1,034 yards and 10 touchdowns on 187 carries.
This year, Fournette is building a stat line worthy of a Heisman Trophy finalist with 1,383 yards and 16 touchdowns on 195 carries in eight games. Per NFL policy, Fournette will need to spend one more season after this one in college to be eligible for the draft.
