UPDATED 1/18, 10:10 a.m. ET: Odell Beckham Jr. will reportedly not be charged for slapping a security officer on the butt, WKYC reports. The officer in question is said to not want to press charges against the star wide receiver.
See original story below.
The New Orleans Police Department has obtained a warrant for the arrest of Cleveland Browns receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. after the football star allegedly slapped the butt of an officer Monday night, according to multiple reports.
The former Louisiana State University wide receiver was in the team's locker room celebrating the Tigers' National Championship victory over the Clemson Tigers when the incident occurred. According to NOLA.com, the officer "wanted to retaliate by punching the offender," and even considered arresting him, but chose not to "due to the jovial atmosphere of the locker room."
"We are aware of the incident and have been in touch with Odell and his representatives on the matter," Browns said in a statement, ESPN reports. "They are cooperating with the proper authorities to appropriately address the situation."
Beckham Jr. is currently facing a charge of simple battery, but the New Orleans Advocate reported that authorities originally were pursuing a warrant for a misdemeanor sexual battery charge. Apparently that was so ridiculous, the judge rejected it. The football star could face up to six months in jail if convicted, plus a $1,000 fine.
The 27-year-old is already in hot water after handing out money to the players after their victory. Whether the cash was real or not, appears to still be in question.
Another controversial wide receiver offered his thoughts about the incident. In a now-deleted tweet, Antonio Brown took to Twitter, saying "free us and bless us, we are the [chosen] ones! Praying for 13," referencing Beckham's number.
He also tweeted: "they want to finish us." Not quite clear what he means, but he seems to be supporting the Browns star.
Football fans and pundits on social media also gave their takes on the superstar's arrest:
When the choir director won’t play that new Hillsong pic.twitter.com/fEIQt87Ntl
