LSU issues statement on notice of alleged violations by sports programs

News broke Tuesday the LSU athletic program received a notice of allegations related to violations beginning back in 2017. The two programs listed in the notice were LSU’s men’s basketball and football programs, with the allegations, levied against the men’s basketball team being the most significant.

LSU released a statement on notice on Wednesday.

“Per NCAA rules and procedures, LSU is unable to comment on any aspect of the ongoing case,” the school wrote in its statement. “We will continue to cooperate fully with the IARP as we work together toward a resolution.”

The school had already self-imposed penalties. Those were meant to address the potential violations of the football program that are likely to be included in this notice. LSU put into effect a bowl band for the 2020-2021 season added to their scholarship restrictions.

The process is still a few months away from being resolved in a case that began all the way back in 2017.

LSU head basketball coach caught on FBI wiretaps

Wade was caught on FBI wiretaps talking about a “strong-ass offer” extended to former On3 Consensus four-star prospect Javonte Smart. The guard ended up playing three seasons for LSU, averaging exactly 13 points per game, before going undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft.

Forde reached out to the university about the Notice of Allegations but LSU did not “acknowledge” they had received them. From there, he laid out exactly what could happen to Wade if LSU is charged with a “major” violation.

If Wade does end up getting fired by LSU, the program will be searching for a head coach for the first time since after the 2016-2017 season. Wade replaced Johnny Jones, who only made one appearance in the NCAA Tournament during a five-year stretch.

On the court, LSU will begin play in the SEC Tournament on Thursday afternoon, awaiting the winner of the Missouri-Ole Miss first-round game. Wade has the Tigers positioned to make the NCAA Tournament for a third consecutive time, making it as far as the Sweet Sixteen in 2019.