Key facts
- N.C. State is investigating potential legal claims against LSU concerning men's basketball coach Will Wade's departure.
- The university alleges LSU may have improperly induced Wade to breach his contract and interfered with the timing of his termination.
- N.C. State suspects LSU's actions were to result in lower liquidated damages, to N.C. State's detriment.
- The university is also examining if LSU violated North Carolina's Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
- LSU had requested N.C. State sign a release of claims related to Wade's exit.
- N.C. State received a $4 million wire from LSU for Wade's buyout, but states this does not absolve LSU of potential legal exposure.
N.C. State is investigating potential legal claims against Louisiana State University (LSU) concerning the departure of men's basketball coach Will Wade. The university alleges that LSU may have improperly induced Wade to breach his employment agreement and interfered with the timing of his termination to reduce liquidated damages, to N.C. State's detriment.
N.C. State vice chancellor and general counsel Allison B. Newhart communicated these concerns in a letter to LSU counterpart Carlton Jones. The university is also examining whether LSU violated North Carolina's Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which could result in financial damages and attorney fees.
LSU had reportedly asked N.C. State to sign a release of claims related to Wade's exit. N.C. State received a $4 million wire from LSU for Wade's buyout on May 8. However, the university stated that this payment resolves only Wade's personal obligations and does not absolve LSU of potential legal exposure, particularly regarding any influence to delay notification of the pursuit of Wade, which would have triggered a lower buyout after April 1.