Washington State internal review clears Mike Leach of wrongdoing
The Washington State athletic department has cleared football coach Mike Leach and his staff of wrongdoing in an internal review. A Pac-12 investigation is still pending.
Washington state president Elson Floyd called for a review of claims of abusive behavior by Leach and his staff toward players by wide receiver Marquess Wilson.
Wilson, the team’s offensive catalyst, cited the “physical, emotional and verbal abuse” by Leach and his staff upon leaving the team on Nov. 10. According to the review, Wilson recanted his charges against Leach by text message to Moos the same day the receiver sent a letter to the media.
Leach had suspended Wilson from the team indefinitely on Nov. 5 for violating an unspecified team rule the day after Wilson reportedly walked out of a conditioning session. Wilson, a junior, set school single-season records in 2011 with 82 receptions and 1,388 yards receiving and was an All Pac-12 second team selection.
Joe Schad of ESPN.com tweets Moos said he stopped a practice that involved a drill in which coaches used a sandbox and sprayed players with water.
The Cougars finished 3-9 (1-8 in Pac-12 play) in Leach’s first season. Leach took the Washington State job after a controversial departure from Texas Tech that included accusations of player mistreatment during practices. Leach has denied those accusations.
