Life will go on for a pair of LSU football players involved in a scary situation earlier this month.
Last weekend, two LSU football players, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and walk-on linebacker Jared Small, were taken into police custody in connection to a fatal shooting. It was subsequently learned that the two players were selling an electronic device to another man, 18-year-old Kobe Johnson, when Johnson allegedly pulled out a gun and demanded their belongings. One of the players pulled out his own handgun and fired at Johnson multiple times, killing him.
Thus far, the shooting is being treated as self-defense and no charges have been filed against either player.
Thursday night, head coach Ed Orgeron confirmed that both Edwards-Helaire and Small will be available to play in LSU’s Fiesta Bowl matchup with UCF New Year’s Day. Orgeron added that the players, who have both received counseling as a result of the incident, have the football program’s complete support.
“It’s a legal matter that’s been taken care of,” Orgeron said according to the Baton Rouge Advocate. “Clyde and Jared are two of the best young men on our football team. We believe in Clyde and Jared and we support them totally.”
The sophomore Edwards-Helaire (pictured) is currently second on the Tigers in rushing with 626 yards, and is tied for second on the team with seven rushing touchdowns. A true freshman, Small has appeared in four games this season.
