11:43 AM PT -- The security guard "wanted to retaliate by punching" Odell after the butt-smacking incident ... but held back -- this according to court docs obtained by NOLA.com.
In the docs, the guard said he had to fight the urge to get violent with Odell ... and called the NOPD just a day after the incident to press charges.
The docs confirmed the whole altercation started because the guard was attempting to enforce the Superdome’s no-smoking policy on LSU players who were enjoying victory cigars.
9:34 AM PT -- The Cleveland Browns have released a statement on OBJ ... saying, "We are aware of the incident and have been in touch with Odell and his representatives on the matter. They are cooperating with the proper authorities to appropriately address the situation."
More trouble for Odell Beckham ... a warrant for his arrest has been issued by a judge after the NFL star slapped a security officer in the ass during the LSU locker room celebration.
"We can confirm a warrant has been issued on a charge of simple battery," a spokesperson for the New Orleans Police Dept. tells TMZ Sports.
And, get this ... authorities initially sought to charge Beckham with misdemeanor sexual battery, according to Nola.com ... but a judge wouldn't approve it. Instead, the judge agreed the simple battery charge was more appropriate.
Footage of the incident went viral ... Beckham was celebrating with the LSU football team after they won the National Championship at the Superdome on Monday night when the incident went down.
A guard -- who TMZ Sports has confirmed is part of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome security team -- appeared to be policing players over cigar smoking in the locker room when Odell reached back and slapped the guy HARD right on his ass.
If convicted, 27-year-old Beckham faces up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Beckham's appearance at the CFP National Championship game has been nothing short of a disaster -- not only is he accused of a crime, but he also got LSU in hot water for allegedly handing out REAL cash to LSU football players while celebrating on the field.
LSU has self-reported the money incident to the NCAA and could face serious punishment.
Beckham is a former LSU star WR who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns.
Beckham is one of the highest-paid players in the NFL -- he signed a $95 million contract extension in 2018, with about $65 mil guaranteed.
Story developing ...
Originally Published -- 9:03 AM PT