Odell Beckham Jr. was not expected to be the center of attention this week.
The Browns wide receiver will not be playing in a competitive game until September. He did not have any speaking engagements scheduled.
Yet Beckham has been a leading sports news story since LSU won the College Football Playoff championship game Monday. His decision to hand out money to winning players put his college team in hot water with the NCAA. Now he could be in trouble as well — New Orleans police issued him an arrest warrant Thursday after he slapped a security guard’s rear end in an incident captured on camera.
MORE: How Odell Beckham Jr. accidentally clowned the NCAA with money handout
Here is the latest on Beckham’s legal situation:
Odell Beckham Jr. was caught on video slapping the butt of a security guard
Video of Beckham slapping the butt of a security guard in the LSU locker room circulated on social media shortly after the incident occurred.
According to a police statement, the guard had been dispatched to the locker room to enforce the Superdome’s indoor smoking ban.
The security guard told police he initially wanted to punch Beckham but decided against it. He filed his complaint Tuesday morning.
What is simple battery in Louisiana?
Battery is broadly defined by using intentional force or violence on another person. In Louisiana, simple battery is “a battery committed without the consent of the victim,” per the state Legislature’s website. The charge carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Convictions for such offenses are eligible to be removed from a person’s record, as NOLA.com points out. Police initially applied for a warrant to charge Beckham with sexual battery, a more serious offense that cannot be expunged. A judge denied that request.
MORE: Explaining the NCAA violation involving OBJ’s LSU cash handouts
Why was OBJ in LSU’s locker room?
Beckham starred for LSU from 2011-13, racking up 2,340 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his three seasons at the school. He’s proud of his roots, and the program is (mostly) proud of him, so he was allowed on the field and in the locker room after the game.
What’s next for Odell Beckham Jr. after the arrest warrant?
The Browns on Thursday issued a statement indicating all parties would cooperate with authorities.
“We are aware of the incident and have been in touch with Odell and his representatives on the matter,” the team wrote. “They are cooperating with the proper authorities to appropriately address the situation.”