CougCenter - Pac-12 investigation clears Mike Leach, WSU of abuse allegationsWhy Washington State? Well that's a stupid question.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47853/fave.png2013-01-10T15:31:22-08:00http://www.cougcenter.com/rss/stream/33676912013-01-10T15:31:22-08:002013-01-10T15:31:22-08:00Marquess Wilson entering NFL Draft
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Cy6jhhmumBd9QYcTCaaoUhBby6g=/26x0:3971x2630/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6377809/20120914_jla_ar4_306.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The next step for Marquess Wilson is the NFL. And he's got a long road ahead of him to succeed.</p> <p>Well now we know what's next for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114044/marquess-wilson">Marquess Wilson</a>, at least. After his career at Washington State came to an end in a way I'm not sure anyone could have predicted, it was unknown whether Wilson would have to do a quick image and NFL Draft stock rehabilitation tour or if he'd jump right into the draft. If Wilson had decided to continue his college playing days, he would've either had to sit out a year to play major college football or transfer down. None of that matters now, though.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/1/10/3861244/marquess-wilson-nfl-draft-2013-washington-state-football" target="_blank">Wilson has hired an agent and will enter the 2013 NFL Draft</a> -- a logical move no matter the circumstances of his departure. It was wildly assumed that this past season would be his last at Washington State, and it was ... <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2012/11/5/3603650/marquess-wilson-suspended-mike-leach-wsu-football" target="_blank">though the way it ended veered off course just a bit</a>.</p>
<p>The former Washington State wide receiver does have some image rehabilitation to do as the draft nears, and his draft stock most certainly isn't what it once was. The physical talent is there, and always has been, but the maturity and character questions will persist. Accusations of a lacking work ethic and the manner in which Wilson left Washington State are clear red flags -- which general managers will certainly be vetting through the process.</p>
<p>I think Wilson can recover from the allegations of abuse and letter. When it comes to that ordeal, I do feel for him in a way. From all indications, he was coached -- <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2012/12/12/3760886/marquess-wilson-abuse-investigation-results-mike-leach/in/3367691" target="_blank">given bad advice which blew up in his face</a>. A draft prospect can overcome and explain away bad advice.</p>
<p>The bigger problem for Wilson is his work ethic, and even that can be spun. He struggled this past season as more was being asked in him. He has a switch -- something quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78188/jeff-tuel">Jeff Tuel</a> explained as the star wide receiver needing a kick in the butt at times. When it's on, he's great. But it's not always on, especially not in practice.</p>
<p>The NFL is a whole different ballgame. Wilson can -- and did -- get by in college with raw talent. The NFL is filled with raw talents who work their asses off to succeed. It's a cutthroat game that demands execution at a high-level at all times. Wilson is going to have to prove he's ready for it.</p>
<p>Right now, our own Dan Kadar has Wilson as the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/1/10/3861244/marquess-wilson-nfl-draft-2013-washington-state-football" target="_blank">15th-best wide receiver in the draft</a>. Instead of hitting a payday and being taken early in the draft, Wilson's going to have to put in work. The way things look right now, he'll come off the board later in the draft, then have to fight for his spot. Things can change, though, and Wilson has a chance to erase some of the doubts with a strong run-up to the draft -- at the Combine, in workouts and, especially, in interviews.</p>
<p>I will root for Wilson to succeed, to be drafted high, and to have a long NFL career. His actions may have hurt Washington State, but I still have a soft spot for the man -- and I do believe he followed through on some bad advice that will prove incredibly costly to his future. If he can battle back, all the more power to him.</p>
<p>But now, we'll see what Wilson is made of. What happens over the next few months and beyond will say a lot about Wilson. If he fights through and works hard, he can make it and have a long NFL career. If not, this will go down as a pretty sad story for all parties involved.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2013/1/10/3862620/marquess-wilson-2013-nfl-draftBrian Floyd2013-01-08T16:30:14-08:002013-01-08T16:30:14-08:00Your CliffsNotes version of the Pac-12 report
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YBeoCrKyXxHiCZ_vOULOKhikgXI=/0x0:3077x2051/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6273117/20121117_ajw_ah8_518.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Allan Henry-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The report prepared by the attorneys working on behalf of the Pac-12 that exonerates Mike Leach and his staff is 35 pages long. We boil it down to under 1,500 words for you.</p> <p>So, the Pac-12 finally released a summary of its findings into the investigation of football coach Mike Leach and his staff at WSU, and as Leach and Moos have been telling us for weeks, there's no evidence of wrongdoing in the program.</p>
<p>Since the report is 35 pages in total, and I don't imagine most of you want to read the whole thing, I went ahead and did the dirtywork for you and pulled out the "highlights," so to speak. There's nothing particularly revelatory in there -- nothing shocking or earth shattering -- but if you've been following this since the beginning, it's worthwhile to know exactly what the final words are.</p>
<p>Here's a Cliff's Notes version for your perusal.</p>
<h4>The Interviews</h4>
<ul>
<li>There were 20 interviews: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114044/marquess-wilson">Marquess Wilson</a>, a sampling of coaches, players, parents of players, athletic department leaders and athletic department staff. Only Wilson is named.</li>
<li>The players interviewed were team leaders on both sides of the ball, an undisclosed number of wide receivers, and a sampling of players who witnessed the workout Wilson walked out of.</li>
<li>The parents interviewed were those with second-hand knowledge through their kids about incidents between players and coaches.</li>
</ul>
<h4>The Scope</h4>
<p>The investigation actually covered four aspects, not just one:</p>
<ol>
<li>Whether there was physical, verbal, emotional abuse;</li>
<li>Whether the sand pit workouts were endangering athletes; </li>
<li>Whether players were forced to practice while still injured; and</li>
<li>Did the program exceed NCAA limits on practice hours.</li>
</ol>
<p>In all cases, WSU was cleared of any wrongdoing.</p>
<h4>Section I: Abuse</h4>
<p>Because Wilson's letter to fans through the media was the main impetus behind the investigation, much of the first section of the report focuses on Wilson's attempt to clarify his use of the word abuse -- to get to the bottom of what Wilson actually saw and experienced that led to him leaving the football team.</p>
<p>The report doesn't really get too deep into why Wilson left, other than to say it was the culmination of a number of events, but Wilson does make it clear that he doesn't actually feel like he and other players were actually abused. In the interest of keeping this an actual abridged version, we've moved the specifics of Wilson's comments into its own post, <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2013/1/8/3852506/pac-12-investigation-marquess-wilson-finally-speaks-on-mike-leach/in/3367691" target="_blank">which you can read over here</a>. Summary: The staff did not physically abuse the players.</p>
<p>The report did investigate the halftime incident in the locker room during the Utah game, which the report describes as one in which an assistant coach (whom we know to be Paul Volero) used some colorful language and pushed some players by the breastplate of their shoulder pads in an effort to fire them up from a lackluster performance. According to the report, none of the players interviewed -- including Wilson -- thought it was anything more than a coach trying to inspire his players, and the report concluded that it was within the boundaries of acceptable football coach behavior.</p>
<p>As to whether players have been verbally abused under Leach, the report concedes that strong language is pervasive on the football staff -- on this everyone agrees. However, the report states that none of the players thought it was abusive: "Most of the student-athletes indicated that they have heard that kind of language from coaches most of their lives and are not offended by it."</p>
<p>Often overlooked is that Wilson's letter alleging abuse wasn't the only driving force behind the investigation -- there was an email sent by a player's parent to President Elson Floyd a few days before Wilson walked away that also alleged abuse. (You can read the email <a href="https://news.wsu.edu/Content/Photos/2013/wsu%20news%20january/2013_01_08_pac12report_post.pdf" target="_blank">at the end of the report</a>.)</p>
<p>The report hits on the crux of this issue: The events happened, but unlike the parent, the independent third party does not believe it crossed the threshold to "abuse."</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"The evidence indicates that most of the incidents that the parent reported were acknowledged and confirmed by the student athletes and coaches who were interviewed. However, neither the student-athletes, coaches, nor the administrators with knowledge of the events, believed that the identified activities were wrong or inappropriate. Rather the incidents reflected a new attitude in the football program and they are all recognized as a new philosophy within the football program.</p>
<p>"All parties agreed that the coaching staff is tough, they demand discipline and they will not tolerate anything less than maximum effort when involved with their program. The vast majority of the student-athletes reported that despite the difficulty of the workouts, they each recognize that it will bring rewards to them and the football program."</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>Section II: The Sand Pit</h4>
<p>The report acknowledges that there are legitimate training reasons for using the sand pit; because of that, most of the investigation centered around the use of a hose to to spray the sand and players while working out in the pit.</p>
<p>In short: Yes, they and the sand were sprayed, and yes, it was sometimes cold out during the workouts, but players said it was "tough" and not abusive.</p>
<p>As to the spraying of the sand and players, there were three such incidents, all in August and September -- the last time on Sept. 23. Each time, a trainer was present. An unnamed assistant athletic director witnessed the spraying, believed it was not the "right thing to do" and told them to stop. They did -- the practice actually had ceased several weeks before Moos directed it.</p>
<p>It was during one of these sand pit workouts that Wilson walked away from the team. Why did Wilson quit that day? Not because the pit was abuse. "There was no point in doing (it)," he said. "(We were) not getting better at football."</p>
<p>Again, in the parent email, it was alleged that injured players were being made to participate in workouts, ostensibly as punishment. The investigation revealed that no players were told to participate when they shouldn't have been. There was a disagreement between the strength and conditioning coach and former head football trainer Bill Drake as to whether a couple of players -- who had been out for a couple of weeks -- were being pushed to hard. It was concluded that the disagreement was professional and businesslike and handled correctly.</p>
<h4>Section III: Did coaches force players to practice while injured?</h4>
<p>This was another allegation in the parent email. The answer is no.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"The assistant athletic director (Drake) reported that he never felt pressure from the coaching staff to clear student-athletes to participate beyond what was 'normal.' The assistant athletic director stated, 'I mean coaches are asking about everybody on the injury report - when they are back. I would call that normal pressure. That's fair.' "</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The investigators also talked to the team doctor -- who's worked with four staffs at WSU -- who refuted the notion that he was pressured into clearing players before they were ready.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Over the years each coaching staff has put slight pressure on the training staff to have student-athletes back on the field before the trainers thought they were ready. He indicated that this is not new and it is not unusual. He pointed out that he has never heard of or seen an instance where Coach Leach's desire to have a student-athlete participate overrode the decision of a trainer or doctor."</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>Section IV: Practice hours</h4>
<p>Again, this comes from the parent email -- voluntary workouts weren't voluntary. Based on player testimony, "There was no evidence that voluntary workouts were anything but voluntary." Wilson and Leach both said, though, that it's clear to players that you better be ready for the season.</p>
<p>There also was a look at whether the team exceeded the allowable hours through disciplinary workouts. They said there wasn't enough evidence to conclude that that had happened.</p>
<h4>Recommendations</h4>
<p>This section was fairly brief and simple. The big recommendation: Implement a discipline workout/conditioning policy approved by Moos so that everyone knows the rules beforehand. The firm also recommended that WSU compliance further educate the staff to clarify countable practice time.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2013/1/8/3851912/pac-12-report-mike-leach-abuse-marquess-wilsonJeff Nusser2013-01-08T15:27:57-08:002013-01-08T15:27:57-08:00Wilson: 'I could have used a different word'
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1Io56noba-hq_bjSNXeOHsLJpN0=/846x0:3998x2101/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6269943/20120830_jla_ar5_125.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>While his statements in the Pac-12's report are generally summarized and still not all that extensive, they represent the first comments from him since a text message to Bill Moos recanting his allegation of abuse by Mike Leach and his staff.</p> <p>Former WSU wide receiver <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114044/marquess-wilson" class="sbn-auto-link">Marquess Wilson</a> has stayed far from the limelight in the two months since the fallout over his letter to fans through the media after he walked away from the team following the Utah game, but he did agree to be interviewed as part of the Pac-12 investigation into the abuse that he alleged in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2012/11/10/3629216/marquess-wilson-letter-wsu-football-mike-leach/in/3367691">that letter</a> -- an investigation that has <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2013/1/8/3851402/marquess-wilson-abuse-investigation-mike-leach-pac-12/in/3367691" target="_blank">cleared Mike Leach and WSU of any wrongdoing</a>.</p>
<p>Much of what Wilson had to say, as reported by the law firm hired by the Pac-12 to conduct the interviews and prepare the report, represented an expansion of the sentiments he communicated the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2012/12/12/3760998/marquess-wilson-text-message-bill-moos-investigation-wsu-cougars-football/in/3367691">now-famous text message</a> to Bill Moos:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Wilson reported several time throughout the interview that the coaching staff never physically abused any of the student athletes on the team. Wilson stated, 'I wasn't trying to accuse anybody of abuse. I mean, they never touched us. I wasn't trying to say that in my letter ... I mean, that, there was no point where I was trying to say that they're abusing us. I was just simply stating why I was leaving -- that's all I was trying to do.' "</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Wilson appears to be a man who, at the very least, certainly regrets his choice of the word "abuse."</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I definitely could have used a different word. Like I said, I, I couldn't think of anything or another word at the time I was writing it."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Most of us have speculated that Wilson didn't even write the letter, anyway, that it was actually his stepfather, Richard Miranda, who wrote it. Both Wilson and Miranda denied that, with Wilson saying, "... I got help from my mother and stepfather," and Miranda saying he gave "ideas" but did not write the letter.</p>
<p>The firestorm in the wake of the letter caused Wilson to send Moos the aforementioned text message. Asked whether he sent the text message retraction to Moos because someone told him to -- presumably a question as to whether he was pressured by anyone around him to recant -- Wilson said, "No. That was all me."</p>
<p>One thing that was confirmed in the report was the suspicion that Wilson was treated differently than the other players. Players reported that Wilson seemed to be on the receiving end of the strong language -- and everyone agreed there was strong language -- more than others:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"The student-athletes indicated that they felt the coaches 'challenged' Wilson more because he was highly talented and the coaching staff expected more out of him. Several of the interviewed student athletes also reported that coaches continually pushed Wilson because Wilson did not often display maximum effort."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Leach expanded on that idea in the report: "If somebody has great effort, and the result is not great, we still applaud them and positively reinforce them." If they don't give maximum effort?: "We let them know. Generally it's negative. Because anybody's capable of great effort." Leach said Wilson "never worked hard."</p>
<p>Wilson made it clear he wasn't a fan of the harsh language the staff uses -- he said he and his teammates were called "coward, pussy, bitch, all that. ... where I was raised, you don't let people call you that" -- but acknowledged that "it would have changed the situation if I would have just spoke, spoke to someone. They (the coaches) are all good guys."</p>
<p>In the end, the final quote from Wilson is perhaps the most telling. Were the coaches doing things they shouldn't be doing as coaches?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Not really. I mean, every coach has a different way of doing something. I mean, but I wouldn't say they're doing anything wrong. It was just -- it's just them trying to figure out what gets the players motivated. I mean, like some certain coaches have different ways of motivating people and some people take motivation differently."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Ultimately, this might just be about what we thought it was about all along: Unavoidable collateral damage from an extreme and sudden culture change.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2013/1/8/3852506/pac-12-investigation-marquess-wilson-finally-speaks-on-mike-leachJeff Nusser2013-01-08T10:56:54-08:002013-01-08T10:56:54-08:00Pac-12 investigation finds no evidence of abuse
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PcwplDHrUSq6aYDr9qI4OZKj9V4=/0x13:4000x2680/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6255397/20121117_ajw_ah8_519.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Allan Henry-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The conference's investigation came to the same conclusion as WSU's own internal look into Wilson's abuse allegations. </p> <p>It seemed to be a forgone conclusion after Washington State University's own investigation <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2012/12/12/3760704/marquess-wilson-abuse-investigation-findings-mike-leach">cleared Mike Leach and his staff of any abuse</a> regarding the allegations of abuse made by former wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114044/marquess-wilson">Marquess Wilson</a> that the Pac-12 would do the same. This morning, the conference did just that.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>BREAKING: Pac-12 Investigation clears <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23WSU">#WSU</a>, Head Coach Mike Leach and staff of Abuse Allegations.</p>
— Chris Daniels (@ChrisDaniels5) <a data-datetime="2013-01-08T17:55:35+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/ChrisDaniels5/status/288705525007400960">January 8, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Daniels also reported the conference interviewed players who felt <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisDaniels5/status/288707511371055105" target="_blank">there was nothing wrong with the alleged physical contact</a> in the locker room at half time against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utah-utes">Utah Utes</a>. The Pac-12 did suggest the school make sure they hammer down a <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisDaniels5/status/288708906790813697" target="_blank">clear policy on discipline and conditions</a> in addition to a couple other minor changes.</p>
<p>Nothing that came out of this investigation is really surprising and it pretty much mirrors what WSU found with their own look into the matter. In fact, we got confirmation of something we'd thought might be the case for a very long time.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>BREAKING: Pac-12 quotes Wilson "I definitely could have used a different word." Acknowledged mother/stepfather gave "ideas" for letter. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23WSU">#WSU</a></p>
— Chris Daniels (@ChrisDaniels5) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisDaniels5/status/288706607720824833" data-datetime="2013-01-08T17:59:53+00:00">January 8, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
This should come as a surprise to no one. Using "abuse" when describing behavior by Mike Leach or his coaching staff is a buzz word, sure to bring the swiftest hammer of judgement from those who don't hold favor with Leach, most notably those in the media who would run to the conclusion that Leach is at it again.</p>
<p>Will this still be an issue the university and Mike Leach have to deal with going forward? Probably, but not because the report is inaccurate. As Nusser and many others have pointed out, allegations go on the front page while retractions or investigations clearing those accused are buried deep within the metro and arts section.</p>
<p>Don't use this as an opportunity to slam Wilson. It's abundantly clear at this point Wilson had a lot of help in writing that letter and although he's legally an adult, I'm willing to bet many 20 year olds would listen to their parents the same way he did.</p>
<p>We can now officially say it's over. Lets move forward and hopefully never have to speak of this again.</p>
<p>Here's a look at the full report and you can <a target="_blank" href="https://news.wsu.edu/Content/Photos/2013/wsu%20news%20january/2013_01_08_pac12report_post.pdf">find it here</a>. The quotes from Wilson where he admits he could have used different language, that no one ever abused him, and that his parents helped him write the letter can be found on pages eight and nine.</p>
<p><br><iframe frameborder="0" height="600" width="100%" id="doc_30208" scrolling="no" data-aspect-ratio="0.772875816993464" data-auto-height="false" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/119501141/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-12egrybaebsvnetw5cmz" class="scribd_iframe_embed"></iframe></p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/2013/1/8/3851402/marquess-wilson-abuse-investigation-mike-leach-pac-12Michael Preston2012-12-13T06:01:30-08:002012-12-13T06:01:30-08:00HCA: More on the Marquess Wilson investigation
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e7vfXF2o9lV-2JP5giUphXdLm68=/0x192:3143x2287/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4912759/20120929_ter_an2_066.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>James Snook-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There are plenty of links today following WSU's report on the Marquess Wilson situation.</p> <h3>Marquess Wilson</h3>
<p>There are obviously a number of links following Wednesday's news about WSU's investigation into the allegations made by Marquess Wilson. Most of the news was already covered here yesterday and you can <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2012/11/5/3603650/marquess-wilson-suspended-mike-leach-wsu-football" target="_blank">find it all in this story stream,</a> but essentially every other news outlet covered it as well.</p>
<p>-----</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/dec/13/report-clears-leach-staff/">Report clears Leach, staff - Spokesman.com - Dec. 13, 2012</a><br>PULLMAN – Following a review of the Washington State University football program, athletic director Bill Moos found "no report or detection of abuse or inappropriate behavior" by coach Mike Leach or his staff of assistants, Moos wrote in a memo made public by the university on Wednesday.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/sportslink/2012/dec/12/wsu-review-concludes-no-report-or-detection-abuse/">WSU review concludes "no report or detection of abuse" - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Dec. 12, 2012</a><br>FROM PULLMAN — WSU released its final findings from its internal review of the football program prompted by former receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114044/marquess-wilson">Marquess Wilson's</a> allegations of abuse made in early November.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://tracking.si.com/2012/12/13/washington-state-clears-mike-leach/">Washington State internal review clears Mike Leach of wrongdoing | SI Tracking Blog – Tracking MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and NCAA On Twitter</a><br>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.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/sportslink/2012/dec/12/marqeuss-wilson-moos-i-was-never-trying-harm-university/">Marquess Wilson to Moos: "I was never trying to harm the university" - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Dec. 12, 2012</a><br>FROM PULLMAN — In his review of the WSU football program, WSU athletic director Bill Moos noted that "the departed player" — a reference to former receiver Marquess Wilson — had redacted his claims of abuse in a text message shortly after the UCLA game on Nov. 10, the same day Wilson announced his departure from the team in a letter to media.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/12/wazzu-leach-report-no-detection-of-abuse-or-inappropriate-behavior/">Wazzu Leach report: ‘no detection of abuse or inappropriate behavior’ | CollegeFootballTalk</a><br>As the iconic Frank Drebin is wont to say, "move on, there’s nothing to see here."</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2019891932_apfbcwashingtonstateabuseallegations.html">WSU study finds no abuse on football team | Local News | The Seattle Times</a><br>An internal investigation into a former player's allegations of abuse by Washington State football coaches didn't turn up any evidence of abuse, athletic director Bill Moos said Wednesday.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://seattletimes.com/html/cougarfootball/2019891945_cougarfootball13.html">WSU review finds Leach "firm, fair and most of all consistent" | Cougar Football | The Seattle Times</a><br>Washington State gave football coach Mike Leach a positive finding Wednesday in its internal review of allegations of abuse in the football program by former receiver Marquess Wilson.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/eye-on-college-football/21382275/internal-review-dismisses-abuse-claims-against-washington-state-coach-mike-leach">Internal review dismisses abuse claims against Mike Leach - CBSSports.com</a><br>A little over a month after being accused of "physical, emotional and verbal abuse" by his best player, Washington State head coach Mike Leach was cleared of wrongdoing Wednesday by his boss, athletic director Bill Moos. In a four-page report submitted to university president Elson Floyd, Moos wrote that his investigation turned up "no report or detection of abuse or inappropriate behavior" and "no evidence… that the safety of any player has ever been compromised."</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8741659/washington-state-cougars-review-finds-no-coach-abuses">Washington State Cougars' review finds no coach abuses - ESPN</a><br>Washington State has completed its internal investigation into abuse allegations by former wide receiver Marquess Wilson, and athletic director Bill Moos concluded that no such abuses occurred.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/12/13/2401034/wsu-review-shows-no-abuse-by-coaches.html">WSU review shows no abuse by coaches | WSU Cougars - The News Tribune</a><br>A Washington State University internal review of the football program found no evidence that supports former wide receiver Marquess Wilson’s claims – later recanted, athletic director Bill Moos said – of "physical, emotional and verbal abuse" by the coaching staff.</p>
<h3>WSU football</h3>
<p>There was some non investigation football news Wednesday including a Q&A about the new football operations building. It has some details on the process, including a rough schedule of things.</p>
<p>-----</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wsucougars.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121212aad.html">Football Operations Building FAQ - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site</a><br>When Washington State University students, staff and faculty return from the holiday break they will see changes around Martin Stadium in preparation for the construction of the Football Operations Building. We hope the below FAQ as well as the Pedestrian Access Map will assist the campus community in navigating safely around the project during construction.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/college-football-rapidreports/21379511/pac12-what-went-wrong-at-washington-state">Pac-12: What went wrong at Washington State - CBSSports.com</a><br>Expectations: With a first-year coach taking over a program that went 4-8 in 2011, people in Pullman weren't exactly expecting a Rose Bowl berth. In the Pac-12 preseason poll, the media picked Mike Leach's Cougars to finish fifth in the Pac-12 North, ahead of only Oregon State.</p>
<h3>WSU basketball</h3>
<p>Moving away from the off the field events, the WSU men's basketball team returns to the court tonight to face Jackson State. This will be WSU's last game until December 21 and the Seattle Hardwood Classic.</p>
<p>-----</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wsucougars.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/121212aaa.html">Cougars Closeout Homestand Thursday - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site</a><br>COUGARS CLOSE HOMESTAND HOSTING JACKSON STATE: Washington State University men's basketball (6-4) concludes its six-game homestand as Jackson State (0-6) comes to town for a matchup between the Pac-12 and the SWAC, Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at Beasley Coliseum.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/sportslink/2012/dec/12/wsu-live-chat-1-pm/">WSU live chat, 1 p.m. - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Dec. 12, 2012</a></p>
<p>OK, time to chat. Who's got questions? </p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2012/12/13/3761982/wsu-cougars-washington-state-marquess-wilson-mike-leachMark Sandritter2012-12-12T18:18:49-08:002012-12-12T18:18:49-08:00Wilson's text: 'Never trying to harm the program'
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cE12MaAPkY3lu0Ws2ToBc7Ud-lo=/0x521:2667x2299/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4896467/20120914_jla_ar5_461.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Christian Caple of the Spokesman-Review has unearthed the mystery text message from Marquess Wilson to Athletics Director Bill Moos, and in it, the former WSU receiver attempts to clarify his letter.</p> <p>The investigation into <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114044/marquess-wilson">Marquess Wilson's</a> allegations of abuse against WSU coach Mike Leach and his staff took a huge first step towards resolution today with the athletic department <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2012/12/12/3760704/marquess-wilson-abuse-investigation-findings-mike-leach/in/3367691">releasing a summary of the findings of its internal investigation</a> -- findings that exonerate Leach and his staff.</p>
<p>In the report, Moos states that "what is not widely known but is of great importance is I received a text message from the departing player following the UCLA football game where he recanted the allegations of abuse made in a letter written by he and a relative and sent to the media earlier that evening." The text of the message was not included in the report, but it's been <a target="_blank" href="http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/sportslink/2012/dec/12/marqeuss-wilson-moos-i-was-never-trying-harm-university/">obtained by Christian Caple of the Spokesman-Review</a>:</p>
<p><i>"Mr. Moos this is marquess … With that letter I wasn't trying to accuse the coaches of hitting players or anything. I was just trying to put it in different terms and now everything is getting misinterpreted and I didn't mean it like that at all … I simply was trying to get my story across and get my name cleared instead of having it say I'm suspended for breaking team violations … That could mean like I did drugs or something … I was never trying to harm the university or the program with it."</i></p>
<p>Essentially, this confirms what we suspected about the letter all along: It was a clumsy attempt to get out in front of what the Wilson camp perceived as an anti-Wilson narrative. An attempt that obviously backfired horribly.</p>
<p>I'm curious as to when or if Wilson will give another statement or grant an interview. I can understand why he'd be a bit gun shy after how this turned out, and I really don't blame him for continuing to lay low as he evaluates his options. But something clearing the air at some point sure would be nice, and I would have to think that a public act of contrition would help improve his stature in the eyes of pro scouts.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2012/12/12/3760998/marquess-wilson-text-message-bill-moos-investigation-wsu-cougars-footballJeff Nusser2012-12-12T17:38:48-08:002012-12-12T17:38:48-08:00Nobody won
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kTC46I2pLKfVhwEkopRMQFzhODU=/0x333:2769x2179/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4893941/20120929_jel_an2_504.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>James Snook-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There wasn't a winner following the investigation into claims of abuse by Marquess Wilson, and the whole situation was a shame.</p> <p>There was never going to be a winner here. From the moment <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114044/marquess-wilson">Marquess Wilson's</a> letter landed in fax machines and newsrooms, it was a no-win situation for everyone. The letter levied serious charges of abuse against Mike Leach's staff, turning an already bad situation into an incredibly ugly one.</p>
<p>The letter set in motion a chain of events leading to today, when <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2012/12/12/3760704/marquess-wilson-abuse-investigation-findings-mike-leach" target="_blank">Washington State released its findings following an investigation into Wilson's claims</a>. There will be another report soon, after the Pac-12 finishes its own investigation. But for all intents and purposes, it's all over.</p>
<p>In fact, we now know it was over just a few hours after the letter was sent. At 11:33 p.m. on the night of the UCLA game -- just about six hours after Wilson's letter was distributed -- he sent a text to Bill Moos recanting everything. Whatever the intent of the letter was, it clearly blew up in Wilson's face.</p>
<p>I've been under the impression since that Saturday that the letter and allegations weren't Wilson's idea -- that he had to be talked into it. He's a quiet guy, coming off as shy and rarely speaking out. What we saw on that Saturday, and the timing of it all, was out of character. Simply, I think he got some bad advice -- and now he's paying dearly for it.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, Bill Moos said that Wilson wanted to say goodbye to the fans and wanted to say he'll miss them. He also wanted to make it clear that his suspension and dismissal had nothing to do with drugs, alcohol or fights -- all of which also would've been out of character for him. The goodbye message got lost in the allegations, and his attempt to clear his name created more of a fire instead of quelling one. It seemed like an effort to save Wilson and his career, and not a scheme he would've come up with between Tuesday -- when he met with Bill Moos -- and Saturday night.</p>
<p>The effects of the letter and the fallout from the investigation are going to stick with Wilson, and that's unfortunate. He has professional aspirations and has been a damn good player. He was pushed to his breaking point in a culture shift between the former staff and current one, and walking out of practice during that Sunday night conditioning drill created a ripple effect that he probably didn't foresee. Walking out on the team reflects poorly on him as a player; the letter made everything worse.</p>
<p>On the other side, Washington State lost a very talented player who had been a force for two years. Wilson had quietly been growing up, even if he struggled this past year -- not with his production, mind you, but mentally. There were flashes of a more physical, engaged player, but those flashes were overshadowed by what led to the end of his career at Washington State. It's a shame he didn't get to end his career on a high note.</p>
<p>Nobody won, even though Leach and his staff were cleared. I don't blame Wilson, and neither should you. That letter triggered a snowball effect, but it just doesn't feel like he intended to create such a stir. Sending a text message to the athletic director shortly after the letter was sent out sends a clear signal that he wasn't really onboard with the plan and didn't realize what kind of reaction it would cause.</p>
<p>Who knows what's next for Wilson, but I wish him the best, just as Moos did. I'll continue to believe he was given bad advice and didn't think things through before sending the letter. He wanted to save himself and try to clear things up, but the opposite happened.</p>
<p>Wilson was fun as hell to watch during his time here, a pleasant surprise on some truly bad teams. The letter and the investigation that followed doesn't change that for me. But it is sad. And hopefully this is the end of it all, and we can all move on.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2012/12/12/3760886/marquess-wilson-abuse-investigation-results-mike-leachBrian Floyd2012-12-12T16:19:09-08:002012-12-12T16:19:09-08:00Mike Leach cleared by WSU
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ji6O0pGDt0kCB3O0PzqnNVvBdmA=/0x190:2660x1963/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4888919/156880597.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>William Mancebo</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Marquess Wilson quickly recanted his allegations, and the investigation was open-and-shut.</p> <p>Washington State released its findings following an investigation into <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114044/marquess-wilson">Marquess Wilson's</a> allegations of abuse, and found the allegations to be unfounded. Though there were small changes implemented during the season with regards to the conditioning program, the review by the school did not find signs of abuse or inappropriate behavior. In total, 12 student athletes, from a variety of different backgrounds and positions, were interviewed and the results were summarized.</p>
<p>A few of the highlights from the <a target="_blank" href="https://news.wsu.edu/Content/Photos/2012/wsu%20news%20december/fb%20review%202012-pdf.pdf">report</a>, which was put together by Bill Moos:</p>
<p>"...all 12 players felt that they are having a positive experience at Washington State and feel supported academically and socially, as well as from a football perspective."</p>
<p>"The players stated that they had been challenged as students and athletes, and believe they have grown as a result."</p>
<p>"The players said they believe in the coaches and that they will take the program to a higher level."</p>
<p>"The majority of the players stated that the player that walked out of practice let the team down and put them, their coach and WSU in a negative light. What is not widely known but is of great importance is I received a text message from the departing player following the UCLA football game where he recanted the allegations of abuse made in a letter written by he and a relative and sent to the media earlier that evening."</p>
<p>Additionally, the sand pit had been sprayed to make the sand harder early in the season and players had been sprayed while it was happening. That practice was discontinued midway through the season.</p>
<p>As you can see, the investigation turned out how we expected it to. However, it is surprising that the allegations were recanted almost immediately. This whole time, Wilson had backed off what was in the letter. You can draw your own conclusions, or wait for us to come back with a longer piece.</p>
<p>Again, don't attack Wilson here. It should be pretty clear what happened by now. What's done is done, however, and both Leach and WSU have been cleared by an internal investigation. The Pac-12 should release its findings soon, as well, and they should fall in line with what we've seen here.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE: </b>Here is the full report for your reading enjoyment.</p>
<p><a title="View Moos report on Wilson investigation on Scribd" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scribd.com%2Fdoc%2F116621076%2FMoos-report-on-Wilson-investigation&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cougcenter.com%2F2012%2F12%2F12%2F3760704%2Fmarquess-wilson-abuse-investigation-findings-mike-leach" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Moos report on Wilson investigation</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/116621076/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll" data-auto-height="false" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" id="doc_15806" frameborder="0" height="600" scrolling="no" width="100%"></iframe></p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/2012/12/12/3760704/marquess-wilson-abuse-investigation-findings-mike-leachBrian Floyd