Washington State star WR Marquess Wilson leaves team, alleges abuse

Washington State wide receiver Marquess Wilson left the team saying he could not endure the “physical, emotional and verbal abuse” in the locker room. (William Mancebo/Getty Images)

Washington State wide receiver Marquess Wilson left the team on Saturday citing in a statement the "physical, emotional and verbal abuse" being allowed in the locker room, reports the Visalia Times-Delta.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to forgo playing football for Washington State University. I realize the school is saying that I am suspended for violating team policies and may return next week, but this is a lie," Wilson said in a statement. "This is an attempt by the athletic department to cover up what is really happening in that locker room."

Wilson was suspended indefinitely by head coach Mike Leach on Wednesday for what he said was a violation of an unspecified team rule. Washington State was blown out 49-6 at Utah last Saturday for its sixth consecutive loss and Leach complained that the effort of his players was "bordering on cowardice."

Wilson, a junior, set school single-season records last season with 82 receptions and 1,388 yards receiving and was an All Pac-12 second team selection. Wilson goes on to thank his teammates and finished the statement with a few choice words for the coaching staff. Wilson says the Washington State coaches destroyed his endeavor to be a winning football team.

"However, the new regime of coaches has preferred to belittle, intimidate and humiliate us," Wilson said. "This approach has obviously not been successful, and has put a dark shadow on this program. My teammates and I have endured this treatment all season long. It is not “tough love”. It is abuse. This abuse cannot be allowed to continue."