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On Thursday afternoon, Yahoo Sports reported that LSU Tigers head coach Will Wade was caught on FBI wiretaps discussing a “strong-ass offer” he made to a recruit, believed to be LSU guard Javonte Smart.
On Friday, LSU announced that Wade was placed on indefinite suspension while the matter is investigated.
According to WAFB Baton Rouge, Wade was given an opportunity to discuss the allegations with AD Joe Alleva, but declined, leading to his suspension.
Source tells @WAFB Will Wade was asked to come in and speak to #LSU top ranking officials on the allegations. Wade declined to do so. AD Joe Alleva and the school felt they were then left with no choice but to suspend Wade.
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) March 8, 2019
Wade released a statement Friday afternoon, which can be found here.
Assistant coach Tony Benford will replace Wade for the rest of the season. Benford amassed a 62-95 record in five seasons as head coach of North Texas earlier this decade.