Sports

LSU Overtakes SEC Brethren In Vacated Wins, Fans Not Surprised By The Teams At The Top

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An overview of Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.

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A punishment has been handed down to the LSU Tigers following a lengthy investigation into its athletic programs. Not only were the football and basketball teams put on probation, but the football team was also forced to vacate wins.

Thirty-seven wins, to be exact. That accounted for every Tiger victory between 2012 and 2015 whilst Les Miles was at the helm.

The initial probation sentences of three years were related to impermissible benefits for players. More specifically, payment to both players and recruits.

Will Wade was fired after being caught on tape attempting to sway a recruit’s college decision with a “strong a– offer.” He has since taken over at McNeese State where he’ll be suspended for his first 10 games.

As for football, some of the issues stemmed from Odell Beckham Jr’s handing out money to players in the locker room after LSU’s most recent national title win. There was also some impermissible contact with a recruit by head coach Ed Orgeron.

The school had previously self-imposed penalty, which the NCAA took into consideration when handing down its punishment. There was one detail that had remained confidential, though, and it dated back almost a decade.

A report from The Advocate filled fans in on an additional punishment, which involved vacating win between 2012-2015.

LSU vacated all 37 wins, including two bowl victories, because former offensive lineman Vadal Alexander competed while ineligible during his entire career. Alexander, a four-year starter, played in 50 games. He missed only one, a 2014 loss to Arkansas.

LSU self-imposed the penalty in its response to the notice of allegations, which the school received in March 2022. The penalty, one of several LSU self-imposed to mitigate NCAA punishment, remained confidential until the final ruling was released Thursday.

As a result, national championship winning coach Les Miles will be unable to enter the Hall of Fame.

Another outcome of the penalty was LSU becoming college football’s leader in vacated wins.

The 37 forfeited wins moved LSU past Alabama and Ole Miss for the unwanted honor. Fans have been quick to comment.

Most aren’t surprised to see a trio of SEC teams at the top.

After all, “It Just Means More” in the conference.

But hey, some are looking on the bright side.

You can’t take No. 1 away. At least until the next cheater comes along.

While the vacated wins might affect LSU’s record on paper, it’s not something fans are going to be too worried about. After all, they watched the games being played out on the field.

Despite the forfeitures and probation, the Tigers will be able to compete in the postseason in the coming years.