LSU cuts 'Honey Badger'

BATON ROUGE, La. - Heisman Trophy finalist Tyrann Mathieu was kicked off Louisiana State's football team Friday for breaking an athletic department rule, a blow to the Tigers' national championship hopes three weeks before their season opener.

The junior defensive back - nicknamed Honey Badger for his tenacious style, small stature (5-foot-9, 175 pounds), and blond streak of hair - rose from obscurity to become one of college football's biggest stars last season.

He was a sleeper Heisman candidate as the Tigers won the Southeastern Conference championship and reached the BCS title game. They are among the favorites to win the title this year, and remain so even without Mathieu.

At a news conference Friday, coach Les Miles would not specify the reason Mathieu was dismissed. "We'll miss the guy," Miles said. "The football team's got to go on. We'll have to fill the void."

Louisville's Harris out. Louisville wide receiver Michaelee Harris will miss the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Coach Charlie Strong said Harris was injured in practice Thursday.

Tide's Dixon leaving. Alabama coach Nick Saban says cornerback Travell Dixon is leaving the team for personal reasons.