Odell Beckham Jr: Arrest warrant issued after video shows NFL player slapping police officer's butt in locker room

Cleveland Browns star wanted for 'simple battery' after LSU's win against Clemson

Police in Louisiana have issued an arrest warrant for Odell Beckham Jr after a video captured the Cleveland Browns star smacking the backside of an officer in a locker room after a college football championship game.

A video taken inside the locker room shows a police officer speaking to Louisiana State University's Damien Lewis following the team's win against the Clemson Tigers inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

At the end of the video, Mr Beckham slaps the officer's backside.

According to NOLA.com, police initially sought a warrant for misdemeanour sexual battery but the charge was declined by a judge.

The New Orleans Police Department's warrant accuses Mr Beckham Jr of simple battery.

In Louisiana, a conviction of simple battery carries up to six months in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000.

In a statement, the Browns organisation said: "We are aware of the incident and have been in touch with Odell and his representatives on the matter. They are cooperating with the proper authorities to appropriately address the situation."

His slap is not the only controversy to follow his appearance at the game.

Another viral video shows Mr Beckham handing out what appears to be cash to LSU players; some team members said Mr Beckham gave out novelty bills, but LSU quarterback Joe Burrow later claimed the money was real.

On Monday, the university issued a statement saying: "We were in contact with the NCAA and the SEC immediately upon learning of this situation in which some of our student-athletes may have been placed in a compromising position. We are working with our student-athletes, the NCAA and the SEC in order to rectify the situation."

The Baton Rouge native attended Isidore Newman School in New Orleans and helped carry the purple and gold to victories as a star player at the university from 2011-2014.

He decided to leave his senior season at LSU and was drafted by the New York Giants in 2014. He was acquired by the Browns in 2019.