Karim Benzema Is Suspended from the French National Team Indefinitely for Involvement in Sex Tape Scandal

Real Madrid and French national striker Karim Benzema has been embroiled in a sex tape bribery scandal since early October, and as a result, has been banned from playing for the French national team indefinitely, according to Agence France-Presse.

#BREAKING Football: France suspends Benzema from national team over sex-tape charge
— Agence France-Presse (@AFP) December 10, 2015

Noël Le Graët, head of the French Fooball Federation, held a press conference today to address the issue, saying that Benzema's suspension might extend into the Euros, and that he will remain off the team until the situation is resolved.

In early November, Benzema was arrested for his role in a blackmailing scheme against his French national teammate Mathieu Valbuena. The facts certainly don't favor Benzema. During a French national team practice in early October, Benzema reportedly spoke to Valbuena about a sex tape—on behalf of a "childhood friend"—that allegedly involves Valbuena. At the time, Valbuena had been receiving threats from an unknown source demanding money in return for the sex tape. Benzema was later caught on tape, allegedly detailing the incident.

Reports Benzema on tape saying to a contact: "don't worry, he has no choice, I'll make him understand. He'll pay." https://t.co/klc6p03Oga
— Jeremy Smith (@jeremysmith98) November 5, 2015

According to a translation from @realmadridinfo, Le Graët defended Benzema as a player.

"Benzema is often criticized, not well liked because of his manner, but for me his a footballer of the highest level," said Le Graët.

He added: "I am not angry at Benzema. I am more upset. I have watched his recent matches, his goals, this hurts me."

But the sex tape scandal isn't Benzema's first bad boy rodeo. Shortly after being arrested for the sex tape scandal, Benzema was also linked to a cocaine trafficking scandal. In the press conference, Le Graët commented on the company that Benzema keeps. Le Graët said Benzema was born in a poverty stricken area and has not left his past behind since becoming a famous soccer player. Le Graët suggested Benzema's friends from the neighborhood are the cause of his troubles.