NC State has opened an investigation into LSU and whether it improperly persuaded head men’s basketball coach Will Wade to leave NC State and return to LSU after just one season.
According to documents obtained by WRAL News, NC State is refusing to release the Tigers from possible legal action as they look into whether or not the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act was violated during Wade’s exit.
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That law could allow NC State to recover damages and attorney’s fees.
“The timing and circumstances of Coach Wade’s departure from Raleigh and his resignation, along with the LSU term sheet, and the eventual [buyout] payment of $4 million to NC State raise questions about LSU’s potential liability in this matter,” NC State general counsel Allison B. Newhart wrote to LSU general counsel Carlton Jones.
NC State reportedly believes that LSU may have colluded with Will Wade and persuaded him to break his contract and resign on March 25.
This timing is being called into question, as Wade’s buyout fee was set to drop from $5 million to $3 million less than a week later.
Wade’s exit from the Wolfpack was anything but smooth. NC State athletic director Boo Coorigan implied that Wade kept the team in the dark on his interest in LSU and expressed his shock at the sudden move.
Now, it seems a battle in court could be brewing between the two schools.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
