The ongoing NCAA investigation into LSU basketball coach Will Wade may be taking a notable step toward a conclusion. A lengthy, detailed new report by Brooks Kubena of The Advocate leads with the news that the investigation has been referred to an independent group “designed to handle complex NCAA infractions matters.”

According to Kubena, two separate NCAA committees have referred LSU’s case to the Independent Accountability Resolution Process, which he defines as “a system formed in response to a Condoleezza Rice-led commission on college basketball.” The IARP has its own Infractions Referral Committee which will decide whether to accept.

Kubena’s report notes that LSU did not object to the basketball investigation being referred to the IARP as long as three NCAA investigations into LSU football were not “lumped into” the basketball case.

The football investigations involve cases pertaining to John Paul Funes, Odell Beckham Jr. and a case of impermissible recruiting contact by Ed Orgeron in January 2019.

Brody Miller of The Athletic responded to Kubena’s report noting that a Level I or Level II violation could allow LSU to fire Wade for cause (not have to pay or negotiate a contract buyout).

Kubena’s report provides detailed timelines and LSU’s responses for all four matters.