Two LSU Athletes Released Without Charges in Relation to Fatal Shooting

Two LSU athletes were detained for questioning following a fatal shooting in Baton Rouge, but released without charges.

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Two LSU football players have been released without charges following a fatal shooting in Baton Rouge, Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger confirmed. 

Dellenger reported the players were running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and walk-on Jared Small. Authorities are investigating whether the players were acting in self defense. The players called in the shooting and cooperated with authorities. 

The news was first reported by The Advocate.

According to WDSU News, the local NBC affiliate, the two athletes were trying to sell an electronic item when 18-year-old Kobe Johnson pulled out a gun and tried to rob the athletes. Police said one of the athletes was able to get the handgun away and fired at Johnson, who died at the scene.

As others have reported: Shooting took place in a truck. The unidentified deceased man was fatally shot in the backseat. Two handguns were recovered from the truck, BRPD spokesman says.

Players called Police at 12:11 pm today to report the shooting.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 23, 2018

"Right now, our concern is for the safety and well-being of our student athletes," LSU vice chancellor and director of athletics Joe Alleva wrote in a statement, according to The Advocate. "They have been involved in a traumatic incident and we have made our counselors available to assist immediately."

Edwards-Helaire has 626 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season.