The Pac-12 conference said Tuesday it found no evidence of player abuse inside the Washington State football program.
The findings are the result of an independent investigation launched by the conference after receiver Marquess Wilson made claims of abuse. He later recanted the accusation, saying he was simply trying to clear his name after he was suspended for breaking team rules.
A separate investigation by the school turned up the same result.
"I am pleased with the outcome of both reviews," said WSU president Elson S. Floyd. "The well-being of all WSU students is our highest priority, and it was important to take seriously allegations against the program. Now that the reviews are completed and have rejected those allegations, we will continue to move forward with our goal of establishing a successful program while maintaining the high standards shared by Washington State University, WSU Athletics and Coach Leach."
The Pac-12 investigative team conducted a total of 20 interviews, including coaches, athletes, parents of athletes, athletic department leaders and staff members. They also spoke with Wilson himself. According to the report, no one believed any of coach Mike Leach's actions, or the actions of his assistants, could be considered abusive. Rather, those interviewed said they understood Leach was trying to instill a new attitude in the program.
With regard to the conditioning workouts, including the one from which Wilson walked away in November, the report states:
"All parties agreed that the coaching staff is tough, they demand discipline and they will not tolerate anything less than maximum effort when involved in their program. The vast majority of student-athletes reported that despite the difficulty of the workouts they each recognize that it will bring rewards to them and the football program."
In conclusion, the investigators made a series of recommendations, including the implementation of a formal "discipline workout/conditioning policy", and a suggestion to pay particular attention to the NCAA rule limiting the number and length of practices.
Read the investigative report from the Pac-12:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/119496654/PAC-12-Conference-report-on-WSU-Football
Receiver Marquess Wilson left the WSU football team in November 2012 after making allegations of abuse. He later recanted those claims, saying his comments were misinterpreted (Photo: SWX)
