Tyler Nunez | TigerRag.com
A new report from Yahoo Sports revealed the name of the alleged middleman suspended LSU head coach Will Wade referred to when speaking about his “strong-ass offer,” presumably for Javonte Smart.
Citing documents and multiple sources, the report names Shannon Forman, a Baton Rouge basketball staple who Smart has referred to as a mentor as the middleman in question.
The report also links Forman to Christian Dawkins, the convicted middleman Wade was first reportedly caught talking to on an FBI wiretap back in October.
The report states that an LSU official declined comment for a story. An official with the program told NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune That Smart’s status for the game remains unchanged.
A document cited in the report also implicates former LSU forward and current Chicago Bulls two-way contract holder Brandon Sampson.
An email sent from Dawkins to ASM Sports president Andy Miller as well as other employees reads:
“I met with … Shannon Forman, who has Javonte smart (sic). [Forman] had two kids in the elite 24 game that have a shot down the line. And he also wants to give us Brandon Sampson.”
Smart, as well as LSU forward Naz Reid, played in the Under Armour Elite 24 game on the date linked to the email.
LSU suspended Will Wade on Friday, March 8, a day after Yahoo dropped a bombshell report linking Wade to a potential play-for-pay scandal citing an FBI wiretapped conversation that appeared to include him speaking about paying improper benefits to a third-party connected for Smart in exchange for his commitment to the program.
