NOLA police get arrest warrant for OBJ

Kevin Stefanski has been the Browns’ head coach less than a week, and already he is learning more comes with having Odell Beckham Jr. on his team than being able to draw up game plans for an extraordinary pass catcher.

Beckham was on the LSU sideline Jan. 13 to watch his alma mater crush Clemson, 42-25, in the national championship game.

He celebrated by handing out gobs of cash to LSU players and then followed the Tigers into the locker room to continue the celebration.

While in the locker room, Beckham was caught on camera slapping a New Orleans policeman on the butt.

An arrest warrant has been issued charging Beckham with simple battery, according to Nola. com.

The police were apparently investigating LSU players smoking victory cigars in the locker room when Beckham got involved.

“We are aware of the incident and have been in touch with Odell and his representatives on the matter,” a Browns spokesman said in a statement. “They are cooperating with authorities to appropriately address the situation.”

What could turn out to be more serious for LSU is Beckham giving away money. LSU is being proactive to make sure its football program and players with remaining eligibility do not get in trouble with the NCAA.

“We are aware of the situation of Odell Beckham Jr. interacting with LSU student-athletes and others unaffiliated with the team following the championship game Monday night,” a statement from LSU Athletics reads. “Initial information suggested bills that were exchanged were novelty bills.

“Information and footage reviewed since shows apparent cash may also have been given to LSU studentathletes. We were in contact with the NCAA and student athletes immediately upon learning of this situation in which some of our student-athletes may have been placed in a compromising situation. We are working with our studentathletes, the NCAA and the SEC in order to rectify this situation.”

Former general manager John Dorsey traded picks 17 and 95 plus safety Jabrill Peppers to the Giants for Beckham last March.

Beckham caught 74 passes for 1,035 yards and four touchdowns in 2019. He was constantly at the center of drama.

Beckham did not participate in the Browns offseason program last spring. He was singled out by officials in the second game of the season for wearing a visor that didn’t conform to standards and in a game against Denver on Nov. 3 was called out for wearing “Joker’ cleats that also went against NFL protocol.

Miscommunication between quarterback Baker Mayfield and Beckham was a constant soap opera in the 2019 season.

Stefanski was asked in his introductory press conference whether he can persuade Beckham to join his offseason program that begins in April. He did not sound optimistic.

“It is voluntary,” Stefanski said. “I will tell you, I think it is important. I think it’s going to be time for us to start implementing our schemes.

“It’s team building, so I’m looking forward to the players and having them back in the building, but ultimately, it is voluntary.”

In other news, the Browns have asked for permission to interview Patriots director of college scouting Monti Ossenfort to fill the Browns’ general manager vacancy.