NCAA REQUESTED PROBE INTO FOURNETTE’S WEBSITE

LSU’s investigation into whether the family of star running back

Leonard Fournette violated NCAA rules came at the request of the NCAA, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Taylor Porter, a law firm in Baton Rouge representing LSU, has expressed particular interest in the discounts of at least $ 20,000 three companies said they provided in building a website to sell merchandise emblazoned with “BUGA Nation,” Fournette’s catchphrase, the person told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. Paul Price, described by Fournette’s mother as the family’s manager, made payments of about $ 10,000 to build the site and produce merchandise to be sold, according to the company owners. The owners told USA TODAY Sports last week that they provided the discounts because they expected strong sales driven by the running back’s popularity. Taylor Porter made contact with the principals Tuesday, according to two people familiar with the matter. Fournette is a top candidate for the Heisman Trophy and leads the nation with 1,383 yards rushing. Tom

Yeager, former director of the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions, said it has become common for the NCAA to ask a school to take a first run at gathering information. Yeager, who worked on the committee for nine years and last served in 2013, said LSU’s probe likely would focus in part on rules governing improper extra benefits. The NCAA prohibits athletes and their families from profiting on the athlete’s name, likeness and image. — Josh Peter

DERICK E. HINGLE, USA TODAY SPORTS LSU’s Leonard Fournette leads the nation in rushing with 1,383 yards.