LSU receives communication from NCAA over infractions case, per report
By Keith Farner
Published:
LSU reportedly received the next step in its ongoing infractions case with the NCAA as it has received a Notice of Allegations regarding its men’s basketball program, sources told Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated on Tuesday, a major step in the process of resolving an infractions case that dates back to the 2017 federal investigation of corruption in the sport.
The Tigers (21-10) are set to play in their third straight NCAA Tournament next week, and will tip off in the SEC Tournament on Thursday.
LSU officials did not acknowledge receipt of the NOA when contacted by SI on Tuesday. The NOA originated from the Complex Case Unit of the Independent Accountability Review Process—the so-called “off ramp” for more complicated and contentious NCAA investigations. If head coach Will Wade is charged with a major violation, he could be terminated with cause, according to a contract amendment he agreed to in April 2019. Wade’s attorney, Steve Thompson, did not immediately respond to a call from Sports Illustrated.
Wade is perhaps known for this case because of the comments he made about his “strong ass offer” that was extended to Javonte Smart during a wiretapped conversation that was recorded and featured in an HBO documentary centered on the corruption in college basketball and the government’s botching of its investigation into the matter.
Following the wiretapped conversation between Wade and an agent regarding the offer, Smart committed to Wade’s LSU program, and played there 3 seasons.
Wade’s conversation was with aspiring agent Christian Dawkins, and Dawkins recently reported to federal prison in Alabama to begin serving an 18-month sentence on bribery and conspiracy charges. Former Adidas executives James Gatto and Merl Code also are serving time for their roles, and several former assistant coaches were found guilty as well, SI reported.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
