LSU began its investigation into whether the family of star LSU running back Leonard Fournette violated NCAA rules after the NCAA requested that the school look into the matter, according to USA Today.
The probe is reportedly aimed at a website business that was launched in September 2014, when Fournette was a freshman. Fournette's mother, Lory, told USA Today that the site was shut down within 24 hours of its opening.
Three companies have said they provided discounts of at least $20,000 in building the website for "BUGA Nation" -- a motto associated with Fournette -- apparel, and the law firm representing LSU in the investigation has shown "particular interest" in those discounts, according to the report.
Paul Price, whom Lory Fournette says is the family's business manager, paid the companies about $10,000 to create the website and merchandise, the company owners told USA Today.
The law firm reportedly reached reps from the companies on Tuesday.
Tom Yeager, former director of the NCAA's Committee on Infractions, told USA Today that it's not unusual for the NCAA to ask a school "to take a first run at developing whatever the information is."
LSU coach Les Miles said on Wednesday that he knows "very little" about the investigation.
"What I do know is positive," Miles said, per The Times-Picayune. "That's all I can say."
Fournette and his family are not permitted to benefit from his name, image, or likeness because he's an NCAA student-athlete.
Fournette leads the FBS with 1,383 yards rushing this season and is a top contender for the Heisman Trophy.
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