SPOKANE, Wash. — A Pac-12 investigation found no evidence of physical or mental abuse of players in the Washington State football program under coach Mike Leach, the league said Tuesday
The findings of the independent review mirrored the findings of Washington State's own internal review of the allegations, which was released last month.
Former Washington State receiver Marquess Wilson contended near the end of last football season that players were suffering physical and mental abuse at the hands of coaches. Wilson, who quit the team, subsequently recanted his allegations.
But university President Elson Floyd asked the school and the Pac-12 to investigate the charges anyway.
"I am pleased with the outcome of both reviews," Floyd said in a press release Tuesday. "The well-being of all WSU students is our highest priority and it was important to take seriously allegations against the program."
The Pac-12 report was compiled after 20 interviews with coaches, players, parents of players and athletic department staff members.
Wilson contended in a memo sent to journalists on Nov. 10 that he quit the team prior to the UCLA game as a protest to "physical, emotional and verbal abuse" by the coaching staff. He complained that coaches would "belittle, intimidate and humiliate us." He did not provide any details.
The same night he sent the letter, Wilson sent a text message to athletic director Bill Moos in which he recanted those allegations.
Leach also denied the allegations of abuse.
Wilson, who was a junior this season, is the leading receiver in Washington State history.
Leach was fired from Texas Tech after the 2009 season after claims that he mistreated a player suffering from a concussion. Leach disputed the allegation and it was not proven. Leach has sued Texas Tech, contending he was fired so the school could avoid a large payment that was due to him at the end of that year.
Comments (4)
Add commentFunny
This news is more or less old. Don Williams tweeted the original allegations the day they occurred, and it showed up in the AJ soon thereafter.
In this new Kingsbury era, no tweets by Don, just relevant news about a 10-year Red Raider legend.
In war, folks like Don would not survive the new regime, having been exposed for who they really are. The South Plains deserves a lot better than what they have been stuck with.
All is not forgotten!
Funny Thing...
Coach X abused NOBODY in Lubbock, either.
What DID happen in Lubbock was a group of egotistical men who enjoyed the power of being "We're the government" substitued their vanity for the best interests of the school, the program, the students, the employees, and the alums.
You cant blame Don
Hes writing what hes told to write. A man has a right to make a living however he chooses, even if it means transparently selling out his integrity. Unfortunately, its all to common in both electronic and print media. Just enough fact, statistical data and the like to make opinions appear as reality. Listening to the fm sports station in Lubbock the past few years is perhaps the most blatant example of propaganda disguised as professional journalism. As sold out as Don may appear, he fades in comparison to others in Lubbock.
@coyote
I don't live in LBB, but I've seen several references to "propoganda radio." Will you provide a little color and context?