Marquess Wilson Leaves Washington State Cougars Citing ‘Abuse By Coaches’

Washington State Cougars wide receiver Marquess Wilson quit the football team earlier in the week and reports quickly came out that he was indefinitely suspended by the team. Wilson issued a statement on Saturday to explain his reasons for leaving the program and one of the reasons is alleged abuse from the coaching staff.

Here is the statement from Wilson:

"Dear Cougar Nation: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.It is been a privilege to be a Cougar, to perform on your field and wear the Crimson and Gray. I would like to thank Washington State University for giving me the opportunity to do what I love most, to play football and receive a quality education for the past three years. I’m grateful to the athletic department for the coaching, care and encouragement I have received prior to this season.This was going to be our year. My teammates and I were aspiring to be the winning team you deserve. Unfortunately for all, the new coaching staff has destroyed that endeavor. I believe coaches have a chance to mold players, to shape men, to create greatness. However, the new regime of coaches has preferred to belittle, intimidate and humiliate us. This approach has obviously not been successful, and has put a dark shadow on this program.My teammates and I have endured this treatment all season long. It is not “tough love”. It is abuse. This abuse cannot be allowed to continue. I feel it is my duty to stand up and shed light on this situation by sacrificing my dreams, my education and my pride. I resign from this team. I am deeply sorry to those I am letting down. I am not a quitter. I was raised by my family, and many previous coaches to exhibit dedication and embrace sacrifice, but there comes a time when one has to draw a line in the sand.Lastly, I thank my fellow teammates, those who also have left the program this year, and those we are leaving behind. I hope our departure will bring awareness to the physical, emotional and verbal abuse being allowed in the locker room and on the field. I pray for healing and recovery for all those who have been hurt by this treatmentSincerely,Marquess Wilson"

Those are some serious accusations from Wilson. If we learned anything from the accusations that came forth at Texas Tech in regards to head coach Mike Leach, we know that the NCAA takes these type of allegations very seriously. Leach has to be concerned that these issues are being raised once again.

Washington State has yet to comment on Wilson’s departure, but you have to expect a statement will be coming soon.