Newly hired McNeese State head basketball coach Will Wade has been suspended for the first five games of his tenure.
KPLC News, through an open records request, obtained Wade’s contract, which contained details of the suspension. According to the report, “the self-imposed suspension and restrictions appear to be a move by McNeese to get ahead of possible NCAA penalties or sanctions lobbied upon Wade from his time at LSU.”
The report also highlighted other recruiting restrictions and safeguards put in place by McNeese State:
- McNeese will hire an additional NCAA compliance officer to work with Wade.
- Wade will submit a weekly report on all recruiting activities, which will include phone calls and texts, which will be submitted to Deputy Athletic Director Bridget Martin. The report will also be forwarded to the Southland Conference league office.
- Wade and his staff will participate in mandatory weekly NCAA compliance education classes conducted by Martin
- Wade is not to have any off-campus recruiting-related activities through July 31, 2023.
- Wade must reduce official visits by four during the 2023/2024 academic years.
- Wade is banned from all recruiting conversations between Sept. 1, 2023, through Oct. 15, 2023.
- Wade is banned from having any unofficial visits from Sept. 1, 2023, through Oct. 15, 2023.
Wade was fired by LSU last spring after the NCAA hit the school and Wade with five level I violations, and one level II violations. More on those violations HERE.
Contract Details:
In addition to the suspension, KPLC released financial details of Wade’s contract. The five-year contract will pay Wade $200,000 in year 1, and increase to $250,000 by year 5. Full details of the contract can be found HERE.
