Arrest warrant issued for OBJ for slapping police officer's butt

The New Orleans Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Cleveland Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. after he appeared to give a police officer in LSU's locker room a butt slap while the team celebrated winning the national title Monday night.

The 48-year-old lieutenant said he was telling LSU players to stop smoking cigars in the locker room when he felt Beckham slap him, according to court records accessed by Ramon Antonio Vargas of NOLA.com.

The officer said he initially felt the urge to punch Beckham and decided against arresting him on the spot due to the "jovial atmosphere."

The lieutenant called the police department Wednesday and, after an interview, he indicated that he wanted to press charges. A judge signed a warrant for simple battery Thursday morning after rejecting the NOPD's initial application to arrest Beckham on a count of misdemeanor sexual battery.

Punishment for a simple battery charge in Louisiana can involve a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or a jail sentence of six months.

In a statement Thursday afternoon, the Browns 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."

Beckham was also seen handing wads of cash to players after LSU defeated Clemson to win the college football national championship. LSU notified the NCAA and SEC of that incident.