LSU AD says Mathieu's problems were ''ongoing''

LSU athletic director Joe Alleva says Tyrann Mathieu's problems that led to his dismissal from the team have been an issue for some time.

 

"It's been an ongoing issue," he said today.  "He has had help, and we've been trying to help him all along."

 

But he said Mathieu continued breaking school policy despite the help they provided.

 

"Being an athlete is a privilege," Alleva said. "It's a privilege and you have to follow the rules to take advantage of that privilege. And unfortunately, he doesn't have that privilege here anymore."

 

He says kicking the Heisman Trophy finalist off the team was not an easy thing to do.

 

"This is a hard day," the athletic director told reporters.  "He really is a very good kid, it's a shame."

 

He explained, however, that officials had no choice.

 

"The rules are the rules, and that's the way it is... It's absolutely heartbreaking."

He would not provide details of the voilations.

 

Because his scholarship was revoked, Alleva said Mathieu could stay at LSU provided he paid tuition, but that is unlikely.

 

"I told him this morning that he has the rest of his life and his life is still ahead of him. He still has a tremendous opportunity to do good things and I encouraged him to do those good things, and I think he will."