LSU Fires Men’s Basketball Coach Will Wade

This follows a 2019 suspension for Wade

Will Wade
Head coach Will Wade of the LSU Tigers reacts against the Missouri Tigers during a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on February 26, 2022 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Earlier this week, ESPN reported that Louisiana State University had been notified of serious allegations made against both their men’s basketball and football programs. Now, LSU has responded — and it’s done so by firing men’s basketball coach Will Wade, who was in his fifth year with the school.

ESPN’s article noted that the allegations involved “significant misconduct,” but did not offer more specifics.

Wade had previously been suspended from his position at LSU in 2019, when he was embroiled in what the Washington Post called “possible recruiting improprieties.” As ESPN reported earlier today, Wade agreed to a modified contract at the time which would allow LSU to fire him from his job if he was found to have taken part in any Level I or Level II NCAA violations.

ESPN’s report indicates that LSU is currently facing eight Level I violations, of which seven pertain to the men’s basketball program. Said program also faces one Level II violation. An article from the Lafayette, Louisiana Daily Advertiser on the firing explains the difference between those levels: “a Level I violation is a severe breach of conduct; Level II is a significant breach of conduct; Level III is a basic breach of conduct; and Level IV is an incidental issue.”

LSU’s next game will be in the SEC Tournament on Thursday.

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