Ed Orgeron: Fournette did what was best for family, and 'we're fine with it'

LSU coach Ed Orgeron stands behind Leonard Fournette’s decision to not play in the Citrus Bowl.

During his final press conference prior to the holiday weekend, Orgeron said that Fournette’s call to hold out and heal up in preparation for the 2017 NFL Draft was “what’s best for him and his family,” and that there are zero hard feelings between the two parties.

O: "We wanted to give Leonard the ability to do what's best for him and his family. We're fine with it." #LSU

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 22, 2016

Fournette, a potential top-five pick (which would secure a $20m/yr-plus contract), has battled injuries throughout the 2016 season, missing five games. Since the Tigers are not competing for a national championship, it’s a business decision that makes a lot of sense.

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If Fournette were healthy, he’d be playing. No doubt about it.

EO cont: If Leonard was 100% he would be playing with us. No question.

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) December 22, 2016

LSU will take on No. 13 Louisville in Orlando on Dec. 31 for an 11 a.m. ET kickoff. The game can be watched on ABC.