The New Orleans Police Department issued an arrest warrant Thursday for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., accusing the Cleveland Browns star of simple battery after a video showed him apparently slapping a male officer’s behind at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome this week.
On Monday, Beckham attended LSU’s win in the College Football Playoff championship game over Clemson. The 27-year-old, an LSU alum, was celebrating the victory in the locker room when he made contact with an officer, who was chastising another player
The New Orleans Police Department has reportedly issued an arrest warrant for OBJ after he slapped the rear of an officer. pic.twitter.com/56a7su1hdx
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) January 16, 2020
According to NOLA.com, police originally pursued a warrant for misdemeanor sexual battery — a charge which carries a six-month minimum jail sentence — but it was declined by a judge.
In a statement, the Browns said: “We are aware of the incident and have been in touch with Odell and his representatives on the matter. They are cooperating with the proper authorities to appropriately address the situation.”
This is the latest controversy for Beckham, who also caused a stir this week by handing out cash to LSU players after the school’s victory.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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