Wazzu president asks school, Pac-12 to review Wilson allegations

Claims by former Washington State wide receiver Marquess Wilson that the football program’s coaching staff inflicted “physical, emotional and mental abuse” on both he and other players could be the focal point of two separate investigations.

Washington State University President Elson Floyd released a statement Sunday asking the school’s athletic department, as well as the Pac-12 conference, conduct independent reviews of the allegations and report their findings.

After consultation with WSU Athletic Director Bill Moos, I have asked our athletic department to fully review recent allegations raised concerning the football program and report their findings and conclusions as soon as possible. Simultaneously, I have asked the Pac-12 to independently do the same. Together, both reports should get to the bottom of the matter.

Wilson, a star wide receiver for the Cougars, was indefinitely suspended by coach Mike Leach last week amid rumors that he walked out of a workout. Hours before Washington State was set to host UCLA, Wilson released a statement accusing the “new regime of coaches” of abuse on a variety of levels.

Leach was fired from Texas Tech in December, 2009, for reportedly mistreating player Adam James for a concussion. Right or wrong, that past has come back and will continue to play a role in an ugly situation for everyone involved.