Leonard Fournette wins SEC Sportsmanship Award

The SEC has commended Leonard Fournette for an act of generosity.

After LSU knocked off South Carolina on Oct. 10, Fournette, a star running back for the Tigers, said in a postgame interview that he wanted to auction off his game jersey to raise money for those affected by significant flooding in South Carolina. The flooding moved the game from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia to LSU’s campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

It initially looked like Fournette’s idea could be an NCAA violation, but the NCAA announced later in the day that it would allow the auction. A month later, Fournette’s jersey sold for $101,000 – all of which went to relief efforts for displaced flood victims. It was the largest price paid for a game-worn jersey in an Internet auction. Helmets signed by Les Miles and Steve Spurrier were also auctioned off.

In addition to Fournette, Lloydricia Cameron of the Florida track and field team and the Kentucky Volleyball team and support staff were also awarded by the SEC.

“There are many stories of sportsmanship and generosity on the part of Southeastern Conference student-athletes, and these three stories are indicative of a spirit that is pervasive in the SEC,” said Commissioner Greg Sankey. “We are proud of Leonard, Lloydricia and the Kentucky volleyball program for setting a standard of sportsmanship and exhibiting that spirit that lives in the heart of SEC student-athletes, coaches and staff members.”

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

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