Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards talked about the state’s looming budget crisis Thursday evening and stated that the $940 million deficit threatens all walks of Louisiana life, including LSU football.
According to Edwards, if Louisiana doesn’t find additional funding sources by June 30, the entire higher education system will be forced to suspend classes, resulting in forfeited eligibility for all athletes, reports the Times-Picayune.
“Student athletes across the state would be ineligible to play next semester,” the governor explained. “I don’t say this to scare you. But I am going to be honest with you.”
Back in January, Edwards proposed a set of nine tax increases, aimed at keeping the state’s education and public health systems running.