LSU’s Leonard Fournette’s Family Investigated For Potential NCAA Violation

LSU running back Leonard Fournette's family is reportedly being investigated over a website that potentially violates NCAA rules.

A short-lived website centered around Fournette's catchphrase, BUGA Nation, is being investigated. Reports indicate that LSU has hired  attorney Bob Barton to investigate the website, which was funded by the Fournette's and the family's manager, Paul Price.

The website sold items with the BUGA Nation catchphrase, but did not feature Fournette. The website stopped selling the memorabilia within 24 hours of its launch, which coincided with the opening of the 2014 season.

If it's found that Fournette's family did indeed violate NCAA rules, he could potentially see a suspension. The bylaws prohibit players, family members, and associates from profiting off of the likeness of a college player. The player doesn't need to be named on the website, because the "BUGA Nation" phrase semantically attaches him to it.

It would be equivalent to Terrell Owens selling items with the phrase "I love me some me" without mentioning his name.

To give you an idea of how serious this could become, because Fournette is only a sophomore, if he is stripped of his eligibility, he wouldn't be able to enter the NFL draft until 2017.