12/21/24
November 11, 2012
Mike Leach Faces Player Mutiny at Washington State: "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. This is an attempt by the athletic department to cover up what is really happening in that locker room." -- Washington State wide receiver Marquess Wilson, suspended Wednesday for what coach Mike Leach claimed was a violation of a team rule
It will be interesting to see if any disillusioned personnel head for the border so they can defect to Moscow.
posted by beaverboard at 12:50 PM on November 11, 2012
What's the over-under on Leach's remaining games at WSU? I sense a buyout in the future.
posted by jjzucal at 02:47 PM on November 11, 2012
Maybe they can trade Leach to UTEP for Mike Price, who had his greatest success in Pullman, but who hasn't been able to get it going the last several years in El Paso.
Leach may be more comfortable in Texas, and if he needs to get stuff out of his system, he can go over the bridge and mix it up with cartel foot soldiers instead of taking it out on his roster. (No matter how crazed a badass he is, he'd be strictly junior varsity in Juarez).
posted by beaverboard at 06:32 PM on November 11, 2012
I think it was easy to look at the Texas Tech situation as Leach getting jobbed and being taken down by a Craig James-led junta, but Leach is beginning to look a bit more unsympathetic to me.
posted by holden at 10:27 AM on November 12, 2012
Yeah, that was my first thought as well, that it puts a different spin on the Texas Tech situation and on Craig James' son's claims.
posted by yerfatma at 11:52 AM on November 12, 2012
As one of those who was more inclined to see fire behind the smoke at Texas Tech, this doesn't surprise me. On the other hand, a Coach Bully G. Toughlove situation is usually allowed to go on as long as the team is winning, and WSU's record is pitful.
posted by etagloh at 01:47 PM on November 12, 2012
It's well known in Washington, that WSU students are for the most part the product of families with too much money to spend...these kids are spoiled. They don't like being corrected...Same thing with the Craig James situation...he has pull with Espn, and the coaches are told, don't piss off the media. Sooooo, Junior got away with one...If these kids don't like it, play harder, and prove the coach wrong instead of running home to mommy.
posted by jaj at 03:00 PM on November 12, 2012
It's well known in Washington, that WSU students are for the most part the product of families with too much money to spend...these kids are spoiled.
Because everything well known is factually correct. Even if true of the student body generally somehow I doubt the same is true of athletes on scholarship.
Last, @jaj, nice comment to introduce yourself to SportsFilter. We welcome all points of view but something with facts to back up your opinion and less emotion would come across more convincingly in this type of discussion.
posted by billsaysthis at 04:19 PM on November 12, 2012
That was certainly a well-written going away announcement by Wilson. I hope he can continue his football career soon.
posted by bperk at 06:19 PM on November 12, 2012
That was certainly a well-written going away announcement by Wilson.
I was thinking it almost sounded like an attorney prepared the statement.
Not that he didnt/couldn't write it, he could turn out to be a Rhodes candidate for all I know.
posted by Folkways at 08:54 PM on November 12, 2012
If the kid is truly being railroaded by the Athletc Department, why not share with the public the reason for his suspension?
I smell a rat when one makes accusations without proof or coming clean about events.
posted by MUTigersince81 at 09:00 PM on November 12, 2012
If the kid is truly being railroaded by the Athletc Department, why not share with the public the reason for his suspension?
Doesn't that apply both ways? The university hasn't elaborated beyond "unspecified team rules" so far, which is curious to me.
posted by etagloh at 10:35 PM on November 12, 2012
Welcome to SpoFi MUT. I agree allegations are just allegations with no proof or evidence.
Still the university has to investigate the claims. As recent events in college football have shown us blind faith in a coach/staff are not a good thing and this isn't the first player to make such an accusation.
posted by Folkways at 08:41 AM on November 13, 2012
To: bilisays this. Thanks for your reminder......I forgot tp mention I lived in WA for ten yrs. Time spent in and around Pullman listening and talking to people will provide enough reasons. As for Tech., the tv money available speaks for itself.
posted by jaj at 04:58 PM on November 13, 2012
I'm beginning to wonder just what the hell is going on out there. The accusations of abuse (though not physical) are alarming to say the least. Mike Leach's approach to rebuilding this program are vastly underwhelming to me. I just don't see the upside to a first year coach so publicly calling out basically the whole team. Are public humiliation and embarsment proven motivational tools? Does this help endear him to the fan base and future recruits?
I dunno, I guess I'm missin something ...