Family will get you every time.
LSU has reportedly launched an investigation into whether a website created by Leonard Fournette’s family in 2014 violated any NCAA rules, according to USA Today.
Bob Barton, an attorney representing LSU, has begun interviewing people involved in a website that was built to sell merchandise emblazoned with “BUGA Nation” — Leonard Fournette’s catchphrase — the person told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday.
Barton, who works for the law firm of Taylor Porter in Baton Rouge and specializes in matters involving NCAA rules, declined to comment.
Paul Price, described by Fournette’s mother as the family’s manager, made payments of about $10,000 to build a website and produce the merchandise to be sold, the owners of three companies involved told USA TODAY Sports. The owners said they gave Price and the Fournettes more than $20,000 in discounts because they expected strong sales driven by the star running back’s popularity.
The website launched the week of LSU’s 2014 season opener, but the business went no further — sales of T-shirts and hats were stopped within 24 hours, according to Fournette’s mother, Lory.
NCAA rules prohibit family members from profiting off an athlete’s image or likeness. The family insists Fournette’s name and image were not used on the merchandise, which only said “BUGA NATION” and was printed in LSU colors.