BATON ROUGE – Tyrann Mathieu has contacted LSU regarding Friday’s USA Today story that included a quote attributed to him that came from an unnamed NFL Coach. Mathieu said the story does not accurately reflect the discussions that he has had while on official visits to various NFL organizations.
“It is irresponsible and shows a lack of integrity for anyone to disclose medical information regardless of how it was gathered,” Mathieu said. “I would expect that conversations regarding my drug testing history during the course of my medical treatment would be private. LSU has a strong drug testing program and LSU went to great lengths to help me in my treatment and recovery. I understand that many people enjoy reading about the negative side of sports, but to publish those second-hand comments without being given a chance to address that comment prior to the publication of the article is irresponsible.”
Joe Alleva, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, expressed confidence in LSU’s substance abuse program.
“LSU has a strong substance abuse program that tries to identify and assist in the treatment and long term recovery process of drug use and abuse, and it is a program we would put up against any in the country,” Alleva said. “Once a substance abuse problem is identified, LSU is diligent in tracking those individuals over extended periods of time with frequent testing and engages them in meaningful opportunities for support through counseling and substance abuse treatment.”