LSU: Wade won’t talk, still suspended

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) LSU says Will Wade won’t resume his duties as men’s basketball coach unless he speaks to university officials about the reports of an FBI wire-tap that resulted in his suspension.

The statement from the school Thursday comes amid reports that Wade wants to resume his duties as the ninth-ranked Tigers prepare for the postseason.

LSU suspended Wade indefinitely last week in the wake of reports that FBI wire-tap captured his telephone conversations with a person convicted last year of funneling money to the families of basketball recruits. Tony Benford has been serving as interim coach.

Thomas Skinner, a general counsel for LSU, says Wade will remain suspended until he speaks to school officials about the situation.

Wade told Sports Illustrated on Thursday that he was put on leave because he didn’t submit to an interview with LSU and NCAA officials. The coach says he wasn’t speaking on the advice of his counsel and added that “given these facts, I don’t believe it is appropriate for me to be relieved of my duties.”

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