LSU Head Coach Will Wade Under Investigation

LSU has suspended head basketball coach Will Wade indefinitely on Friday after a phone conversation from 2017 was wiretapped and leaked by Yahoo Sports. The dates and times of the discussions were within the same time in which Smart was being recruited.

The FBI intercepted call provided the transcript between Will Wade and middle man Christian Dawkins regarding the recruitment of freshman guard, from Scotlandville High, Javonte Smart.

The conversation reportedly involved discussion about giving Smart reimbursement that would be more than what an incoming freshman athlete would normally receive. Dawkins, an Adidas consultant, was sentenced to six months in prison for “wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy.”

Smart was open about recruitment and didn’t show any foul play in the situation.

“I know that isn’t the right thing to do but this is a widespread thing happening with recruitment in college basketball,” said LSU student Chris Jackson.

“It’s undeniable that these men are talented and are putting forth hard work but when they are given extra money under the table, they will have to accept the consequences that come with it,” Jackson added.

LSU interim men’s basketball coach, Tony Benford, led the team to the win against Vanderbilt with a score of 80–59. Smart was not able to participate in the last regular season game against Vanderbilt.

Students filled the stands with loud chants, t-shirts and signs saying “Free Will Wade.” The students also chanted “Joe Must Go,” “Let Joe Go” and “Joe Is A Coward.”

LSU does not plan on skipping the SEC championship tournament, so they are currently in preparation for it.

“This situation has been going on for years, Will Wade just so happened to get caught. College athletes, especially at LSU, are getting offered cars and money all the time,” said LSU student Diamond Richardson.

Students put together a protest on LSU campus along with a march that will take place outside of Matherne’s Market on Nicolson Drive.

“The protest that the students are leading will not help anything. What Will Wade did violated the NCAA basketball rules by bribing and paying a college basketball player,” said Jackson.

“I don’t think the protest will work in their favor. Regardless if they protest, the rules are set in place,” Richardson commented.