re: Every knowledgeable basketball person you hear or read from

quote:

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Come forward to explain the allegations. That’s all they asked him to do. But he refused. And lawyered up like a straight bitch. And by refusing to talk he quit on his own team.

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I haven't been following this thread in depth, but this is when Wade hung himself.

The LSU Board of Trustees (or whatever the title is) wanted to talk to him and determine exactly what the situation was. He refused to, and got a lawyer instead.

This is not the same as "talking to the NCAA", this is LSU wanting to get the story straight. It's called "circling the wagons". I am willing to bet the Board members are aware of plenty of shady deals, and approve of them, as the rewards are worth the cost of covering them up.
When Wade pulled that stunt, there was no other option.