In fact, the word that was tossed around in three different Wade-related conversations Wednesday was “confident.” As in, LSU officials are confident that Wobbly Will can survive yet another swirling tempest.
The latest came Wednesday, courtesy of a document written by NCAA Director of Enforcement Jon Duncan that said his staff received information that “Mr. Wade arranged for, offered and/or provided impermissible payments, including cash payments, to at least 11 men's basketball prospective student-athletes, their family members, individuals associated with the prospects and/or non-scholastic coaches in exchange for the prospects' enrollment at LSU.”
There is a difference between receiving information and issuing formal allegations, of course. But still: 11 players. That number jumps off the screen. Especially when you consider Wade has been at LSU for only three seasons, and you consider every other blast of bad press he’s gotten in that time.
“As far as what’s out there in the public record for Will Wade, I think of Dezi Arnaz saying, ‘You’ve got some explaining to do,’ “ said Atlanta-based attorney Stu Brown, who has represented coaching clients in many NCAA infractions cases.
“Schools used to be more aggressive in not retaining coaches who have an infractions record, or a potential infractions record. That’s less and less true. It’s now more an emphasis on winning. It’s really sad.”