Heisman finalist Mathieu kicked off LSU’s roster

Heisman Trophy finalist Tyrann Mathieu (pictured right) was kicked off LSU’s football team Friday for breaking an athletic department rule, a blow to the Tigers’ national championship hopes three weeks before their season opener. The junior defensive back – nicknamed Honey Badger for his tenacious style, small stature (5-foot-9, 175 pounds) and blond streak of hair – rose from obscurity last year to become one of college football’s biggest stars. Athletic director Joe Alleva said Mathieu, who was suspended for a game in 2011 after failing a drug test, violated a rule and had his scholarship revoked. The Times-Picayune of New Orleans, citing an unidentified source, reported that Mathieu failed another drug test. – Associated Press