LSU investigating whether star running back's family violated NCAA rules, report claims
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Leonard Fournette in Baton Rouge Saturday. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
Louisiana State University launched an investigation into whether relatives of star running back Leonard Fournette violated NCAA rules by building a website to sell merchandise, USA Today reported Tuesday.
A man described as the family's manager paid roughly $10,000 to create the site and produce merchandise, sources told the newspaper. The products, including T-shirts and hats, would reportedly feature Fournette's catchphrase “BUGA Nation."
The website launched the week of LSU's 2014 season opener, but was shut down within a day, USA Today added. The newspaper reports that Bob Barton, an attorney representing LSU who often handles matters related to NCAA rules, is now questioning people involved with the Fournette site.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}There was been no immediate response from LSU or Fournette's family.
Fournette has said "BUGA" refers to his philosophy, “Being United Generates Attitude.”