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Report: Details emerge on Will Wade contract situation at LSU

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LSU didn’t wait long after its SEC Tournament loss to reportedly part ways with head coach Will Wade. New reports shed light on his contract situation — including his buyout.

The news of Wade’s departure comes after LSU received a Notice of Allegations related to an investigation into the program. Stadium’s Jeff Goodman reported LSU decided the nature of the allegations was too strong to keep Wade in Baton Rouge.

Shortly after, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported “multiple Level 1” violations against LSU after previously saying LSU was not expected to pay out the remaining money on Wade’s contract.

LSU fell to Arkansas 79-67 in the SEC Tournament on Friday, and a technical foul on Wade late in the first half proved to be a turning point. Kevin Nickelberry will serve as the Tigers’ interim head coach, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, who broke the story.

The Tigers enter the NCAA Tournament 22-12 overall and 9-9 in SEC play. They’ll find out where and when they play in the big dance on Selection Sunday.

Report: LSU parts ways with Will Wade after notice of allegations

LSU has parted ways with head basketball coach Will Wade, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein. The decision comes days after the NCAA provided a Notice of Allegations against the program.

Stadium’s Jeff Goodman reports that the NCAA’s Notice of Allegations included violations which were too severe to retain him through the investigation. Under NCAA rules, if Level 1 or Level 2 violations are found, the school can terminate without penalty.

The Tigers, projected to land a high seed in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, will be led by interim head coach Kevin Nickelberry in next week’s games following the decision.

Will Wade went 105-51 over five seasons as LSU, taking the job after two successful seasons at VCU. He made two NCAA Tournament appearances and was set to lead the Tigers to a third this season. However, his tenure did not come without controversy after a wiretap revealed his “strong-ass offer” to a recruit.

Wade replaced Johnny Jones, who only made one appearance in the NCAA Tournament during a five-year stretch and restores LSU on the court. However, with the investigation still looming and precedent set for the NCAA to unleash severe punishment, this could hurt the Tigers moving forward.