Former Washington CB Marcus Peters: I blame myself for dismissal
Former University of Washington cornerback Marcus Peters blamed himself for his dismissal from the team in November during an interview with Tom Pelissero of USA Today.
Peters had several incidents with Washington coaches throughout the season, and he told Pelissero that he would have kicked himself off the team after a tantrum on the sideline of the team's home opener against Eastern Washington. That meltdown was preceded by Peters head butting an opposing player and incurring a penalty that erased a third-down stop. He was suspended for one game.
Describing himself as "an avalanche ready to happen," Peters said coach Chris Petersen was justified in dismissing him from the team.
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"I don't blame (Petersen) for anything. All I can blame is myself, because I made those decisions and I have to live with them," Peters said. "Now I'll have to man up and I've got to answer these questions in interviews, and all I can do is sit there and answer truthfully and honestly."
On Nov. 6, it was reported that Peters had been dismissed from the team for a number of incidents, including allegedly arguing with an assistant coach during the team's win against Colorado and a report from an unnamed witness that he choked an assistant coach during practice.
Peters denied both reports, and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski also denied that the choking incident had occurred. According to Peters' father, Petersen described "things like the music Marcus listened to, the body language in meetings," as reasons for the dismissal.
Peters has been considered a first round prospect in the this year's NFL draft. In Chris Burke's most recent 2015 mock draft, the junior is projected to be taken 29th overall by the Indianapolis Colts.
Former coaches and observers have also spoken highly of Peters. Donté Williams, a former UW graduate assistant, described Peters as intelligent, instinctive and "extremely competitive." An NFL general manager also said the 22-year-old could "be the top corner in this draft," based on his past performance and his skills.
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Peters, who started for the Huskies since joining the team as a freshman, recorded 129 tackles, 11 interceptions and one touchdown in three seasons at Washington. He was named second-team All Pac-12 after the 2013 season.
- Christopher Woody
