Report: LSU Tigers suspend 3 players for synthetic dope

(CBS) -Three LSU football players - including top-ranked cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, nicknamed the "honey badger" - have been suspended for the Tigers' upcoming game against Auburn. Tyrann Mathieu, running back Spencer Ware, and defensive back Tharold Simon will sit out the game for violating the team's drug policy. The players were reportedly smoking synthetic marijuana, which is on the NCAA's list of banned substances.

A source familiar with the situation told ESPN that LSU coach Les Miles suspended the players indefinitely, but with the possibility of returning to the team before LSU's November 5th matchup against No. 2 Alabama.

Synthetic marijuana has become popular among high school and college students in recent years. The substance is generally a blend of herbs and spices coated with synthetic cannabinoids. It's commonly known as "Spice" or "K2." It has also been linked to the death of college basketball player Lamar Jack.

The 19-year-old basketball player at Anderson University died after ingesting JWH-018, a chemical used to make the drug. Coroner Greg Shore said Lamar Jack complained of cramps and vision problems before collapsing during a preseason workout. The athlete died days later from acute drug toxicity and multiple organ failure.

For a team aiming for a national championship, the No. 1 ranked LSU Tigers have had several serious player situations already this year. Earlier in the season, quarterback Jordan Jefferson and linebacker Josh Johns were suspended after being charged with second-degree assault in a bar fight that injured four people.