The 2016 season has not been a very positive one for Washington State. Aside from losing at home to an FCS opponent and following that up with a road loss against Boise State, the Cougars have been in the headlines for off-field reasons as well, which is never a good look. This has led to the athletics director at Washington State to issue a brief statement.
“We are well aware of recent incidents involving Washington State football, including many details associated with each incident that have not been reported,” Washington state AD Bill Moos said in a released statement on Wednesday. “We take such allegations very seriously and, as always, we will fully cooperate with local authorities. We intend to respect the legal process and all the rights guaranteed to everyone involved. Until the full legal process has reached completion, WSU Athletics will have no further comment on these matters. We believe such a position is most fair to all parties and best protects the integrity of the legal process.”
The released statement comes the day after Washington State linebacker Logan Tago was arrested for second-degree assault and second-degree robbery. Over the summer, a couple six players were investigated for their role in a massive brawl, which was caught on video. On Wednesday, Washington State head coach Mike Leach blasted the media and police for targeting his players.
“We’re going to let the legal system take its course,” Leach said, per The Spokesman-Review. “But the system has to be checked if – with the number of people involved in these incidents – the only ones accused are football players. If that’s the case, then something is seriously wrong, which goes far deeper than whatever has even been alleged.”
As you might expect, the police chief in Pullman denied any allegation by Leach that his department was profiling Washington State football players.