Former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu has checked into a Houston-area rehab center and will not attend college or play football this season. Mathieu’s father told WVUE-TV in New Orleans on Thursday.

Right Step center is where Mathieu will stay during his rebah. He is being mentored by former NBA player and coach John Lucas, who has success building character in young, troubled athletes.

Mathieu was kicked off LSU’s team last week for an alleged substance-abuse issue. He won the Bednarik Award as the best defensive player and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

If he sits this year out, he can play football next season or enter the 2013 NFL Draft.