REPORT: NC State Continues Investigating LSU’s Hiring of Will Wade

The saga surrounding Will Wade’s departure from NC State may not be over just yet.

According to a report from WRAL, NC State is continuing to investigate whether LSU improperly persuaded Wade to leave Raleigh and violate the terms of his contract with the Wolfpack.

The investigation centers on whether LSU’s actions could have violated North Carolina’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act and potentially caused financial harm to NC State.

LSU Wanted Closure

After hiring Wade and paying his $4 million buyout, LSU apparently hoped to put the matter behind them.

According to WRAL’s report, LSU sent NC State a proposed “mutual release and settlement agreement” on May 19 that would have protected the Tigers from any future claims related to Wade’s recruitment, employment, departure from NC State, the buyout payment, or any other related matter.

In short, LSU wanted both sides to agree that the issue was settled and that no further legal action would follow.

NC State declined.

NC State Pushes Back

In a June 4 response obtained by WRAL, NC State made it clear that the university is not prepared to release LSU from potential liability.

According to the school’s response:

“NC State has not agreed, and does not agree now, to release LSU from any liability.”

The university went on to state that it is actively investigating whether LSU:

• Improperly induced Wade to breach his employment agreement
• Induced Wade to terminate his contract with NC State
• Interfered with the timing of Wade’s departure in a manner that reduced the liquidated damages owed to NC State

NC State’s position suggests the university believes there are still unanswered questions surrounding how and when Wade’s move to Baton Rouge unfolded.

Timeline of Events

March 25
Will Wade resigns from NC State.

March 26
LSU officially announces Wade as its new head coach.

May 8
LSU wires $4 million to NC State for Wade’s buyout.

May 19
LSU sends a proposed mutual release and settlement agreement to NC State.

June 4
NC State rejects the proposal and informs LSU that its investigation remains ongoing.

What Happens Next?

At this point, there has been no lawsuit filed and no public indication that NC State intends to pursue litigation.

However, the university’s response makes it clear that school officials are not ready to close the door on the matter.

Whether the investigation ultimately leads to legal action, a settlement, or no further developments remains to be seen.

For now, NC State appears determined to fully examine the circumstances surrounding Wade’s departure before considering the issue resolved.

Final Takeaway

Most coaching departures end once the buyout check clears.

This one apparently hasn’t.

LSU may have believed the $4 million payment closed the book on Will Wade’s move from Raleigh to Baton Rouge, but NC State’s response suggests the university believes there are still important questions worth investigating.

For more details and documents related to the situation, check out Brian Murphy’s full report at WRAL.