On the same day as Tiger Woods returned to the height professional golf, LSU athletics director Joe Alleva announced Will Wade is back as the Tigers men’s basketball coach after a suspension that lasted for nearly five weeks.
Wade and Alleva had a face-to-face meeting on Friday after the 2nd year coach initially decided not to speak with the university after Yahoo Sports released a partial transcript of a purported FBI wiretap that allegedly had Wade discussing a strong offer made to a recruit.
In a statement published by LSU on Sunday night, Alleva said during meetings on Friday, Wade answered all questions and denied any wrongdoing in connection with the recently reported allegations of irregularities in college basketball recruiting.
Alleva added the university regrets Coach Wade did not choose to fulfill his obligations to LSU when he was first asked to do so and the suspension was necessary to protect LSU and preserve the integrity of the university.
Wade also released a statement saying he’s humbled and grateful to be back at LSU. The coach says he regrets the circumstances that prevented him from meeting with the university sooner and understands why the school made the decision to suspend him.
Wade now has a lot of work to do as he gets the program ready for the 2019-20 season. A period to sign recruits begins on Wednesday and five players from last season’s SEC championship team have decided to enter the NBA draft. But there’s a chance three of those players can return next season, Skylar Mays, Javonte Smart and Emmit Williams.
LSU currently has two players signed for next season. Point guard James Bishop from Baltimore, Maryland. Shooting guard Charles Manning from Florida Southwestern State College.
