The last 24 to 48 hours for LSU basketball has been an absolute whirlwind. Hours before tipoff in Saturday’s regular-season finale against Vanderbilt LSU announced that freshman Javonte Smart will be held from today’s game. This was first reported by Jeff Goodman of Stadium.
LSU guard Javonte Smart likely to be held out of tonight’s game against Vandy, source told @Stadium. Smart at the center of allegations involving LSU coach Will Wade and an offer to runner Christian Dawkins on wire-tap conversation.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 9, 2019
In the statement released by the university, it is being done “in an abundance of caution and as a result of the lack of clarity provided regarding media reports and reported wiretaps.” This comes almost 24 hours after head coach Will Wade was suspended indefinitely.
The statement also mentions that Smart and his family have been cooperative and open with university officials after a Yahoo Sports report seemed to implicate a “strong-ass offer” for the Baton Rouge native to join the program.
-Clint Domingue