The arrest warrant that Odell Beckham Jr., the Cleveland Brown’s wide receiver, was facing has been recalled after the New Orleans security officer decided not to pursue the charges, according to multiple reports.
As reported by ABC News,the New Orleans Police Department issued an arrest warrant after Beckham allegedly slapped a security officer’s buttocks in the Louisiana State University locker room. The incident took place on the night of Jan. 13, after the College Football National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, according to Fox 8 Cleveland.
It was during the post-game celebrations that the alleged incident occurred as indicated by a video of the incident, according to CNN. New Orleans Police Department confirmed the officer in question wasn’t a member of the police force, but a Superdome security officer, according to Fox 8 Cleveland. Following the incident, it wasn’t clear what went on after the incident occurred.
The Superdome filed a complaint with the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 14, according to CNN.
Alan Freeman, the Superdome spokesman, issued a statement on behalf of ASM Global, the venue management company. The statement said, “We are aware of the video from the LSU locker room and are conducting an internal investigation and will have no further comment until that investigation is complete.”
Cleveland Browns also issued a statement regarding the incident, writing, “We are aware of the incident and have been in touch with Odell and his representative on the matter. They are cooperating with the proper authorities to appropriately address the situation.”
At the time, an arrest warrant was issued for Beckham, as he was being charged with simple battery, according to ABC News. However, the security officer changed his mind regarding the filed complaint and decided to drop charges against Beckham, as indicated by Daniel Davillier, Beckham’s attorney.
“The arrest warrant stemming from the postgame locker room celebration at the Superdome on Jan. 13, 2020, has been recalled; there is no warrant outstanding for the arrest of Odell Beckham, Jr. The security officer involved does not wish to pursue charges in this matter. This legal matter has been resolved,” Davillier said.
“Absent a complaining witness, this is not a case our officer intends to pursue,” said Ken Daley, one of the spokespeople for the Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro.
This incident occurred after an event where Beckham was seen giving money to LSU players, according to CNN. As indicated, Beckham was seen giving handshakes and money to the player, which Beckham claimed was fake. It was later found that the money Beckham gave out was indeed real money.
The money giving incident Beckham was involved in possibly broke a few college football rules, namely that players were not allowed to accept cash, as indicated by NCAA bylaws, according to CNN.
