In a proactive attempt to prevent the NCAA from taking further action, LSU football is reportedly taking matters in their own hands by self-imposing multiple penalties.

The seismic news regarding the defending national champions comes via Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger and Pat Forde. According to SI, LSU is “docking itself eight football scholarships over a two-year period and reducing recruiting visits, evaluations and communication.”

This comes after a nearly two-year investigation which exposed “booster payments to the father of a football player,” according to sources obtained by SI.

Additionally, former LSU star/current Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is banned two years from the program’s facilities after he doled out $2,000 in $100 bills to players after the national championship game.

The NCAA received notice of LSU’s self-imposed sanctions last month, according to SI. In a statement to SI, LSU expressed hope that their decision would be sufficient punishment.

“LSU has worked proactively and in cooperation with the NCAA to identify and self-report any violations that occurred within our football program,” Robert Munson, LSU Senior Associate Athletic Director, said. “We believe these self-imposed penalties are appropriate and we will continue to coordinate and cooperate with the NCAA on this matter.”

Joe Alleva was the athletic director and Les Miles was the head football coach at the time of the booster payments to a player’s father, according to SI. Former offensive lineman Vadal Alexander’s father was given $180,000 in stolen money by LSU booster John Paul Funes. Funes pleaded guilty to federal felony wire fraud and money laundering charges.

Also in the investigation was the fact that Ed Orgeron had impermissible contact in January 2019 with a recruit.