LSU Football Players Acted in Self-Defense in Shooting, Police Say

Police found that LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and linebacker Jared Small acted in self-defense in the fatal shooting of Kobe Johnson, who allegedly attempted to rob the pair, according to ESPN.com.

According to that report, the two LSU players "were attempting to sell an electronic item in the Scotlandville area of Baton Rouge when the man, [Johnson], pulled out a weapon and demanded their belongings. One of the players then pulled out a handgun and shot Johnson multiple times. Johnson died at the scene."

A Baton Rouge Police spokesman, Sgt. L'Jean McKneely, said police are continuing to investigate the shooting, though Edwards-Helaire and Small were questioned but released without being arrested.

"We believe this is an act of self-defense and the evidence will show that," an attorney representing the pair, Christopher Murell, told Grace Toohey and Katie Gagliano of The Advocate.

LSU athletic director Joe Alleva released a statement regarding the shooting on Saturday:

"We have today been in constant contact with law enforcement regarding this terrible situation. Right now, our concern is for the safety and well-being of our student-athletes. They have been involved in a traumatic incident, and we have made our counselors available to assist immediately. All questions regarding the investigation should be directed to law enforcement at this time."

Edwards-Helaire has rushed for 626 yards and seven touchdowns this season, while Small has not appeared in any games for the Tigers.