Odell Beckham Arrest Warrant for Battery Issued by New Orleans Police

Already taking heat for a video showing him giving cash to members of LSU’s football team after the Tigers won the College Football National Championship game, Odell Beckham’s postgame antics have landed him in even hotter water.

New Orleans police have issued an arrest warrant for Beckham based on a video that shows the Cleveland Browns wide receiver slapping a Superdome police officer on the butt in the locker room after LSU’s win, according to NOLA.com.

Per multiple outlets, an arrest warrant has been issued for #Browns WR Odell Beckham. He is being charged with simple battery.

He slapped the ass of a cop during #LSU's post-game locker room celebration.

Happy Thursday. pic.twitter.com/WbD5NqNh7x

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 16, 2020

While it may seem a little funny, Beckham’s simple battery charge could have been worse as authorities originally sought a warrant for a misdemeanor sexual battery charge.

However, that request was rejected by a judge and prosecutors had to settle for the battery charge, according to NOLA.com.

Defined as “battery committed without the consent of the victim,” simple battery carries a maximum sentence of up to six months in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000 in Louisiana.

It alone won’t get him arrested, but Beckham’s choice to hand out cash after the game likely won’t earn him too many points with his alma mater.

Though LSU initially said the bills Beckham was handing out were fake, the school was forced to issue a formal statement on the matter after LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, who’s entering the NFL draft and doesn’t have to worry about NCAA violations, confirmed they were real.

“We are aware of the situation regarding Odell Beckham Jr. interacting with LSU student-athletes and others unaffiliated with the team following the championship game Monday night,” LSU said in a statement released Wednesday. “Initial information suggested bills that were exchanged were novelty bills. Information and footage reviewed since shows apparent cash may have also been given to LSU student-athletes. We were in contact with the NCAA and the SEC immediately upon learning of this situation in which some of our student-athletes may have been placed in a compromising position. We are working with our student-athletes, the NCAA and the SEC in order to rectify the situation.”

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