Maason Smith suspension: Report reveals details of LSU DT’s NCAA violation

Maason Smith is out for LSU’s season opening contest vs. Florida State because of an NCAA violation.

It’s now been confirmed that the sophomore defensive tackle’s suspension is due to taking part in an autograph session along with former LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte in the summer of 2021 before NIL became instituted.

UPDATE: Multiple sources have confirmed Maason Smith and Kayshon Boutte participated in an autograph signing in the summer of 2021 prior to NIL going live.

Boutte served a one game suspension during the 2022 season. He missed the New Mexico game for the birth of his son and the…

— Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) August 24, 2023

The NCAA disclosed this summer to Smith he would serve the suspension for the regular season opener. Smith missed the entire 2022 season, which is why the suspension couldn’t be imposed.

Smith earned first-team preseason All-SEC by conference coaches this offseason. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Smith tallied 13 solo tackles and 4 sacks in 9 games during his freshman season.

In the absence of Smith for the season opener, Jordan Jefferson and Paris Shand will likely have to fill the void defensively against a dynamic Florida State offense.

LSU vs. Florida State is slated for Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m. EST from Orlando and will be televised on ABC.