Star wideout Wilson quits WSU football team

PULLMAN - Star receiver Marquess Wilson says he has quit the Washington State football team, and blamed the coaching staff for what he called abuse of players.

Wilson was suspended this week for an unspecified violation of team rules. He said in a press release Saturday that he has left the program because of the actions of first-year coach Mike Leach and his staff.

Wilson said the new staff has "preferred to belittle, intimidate and humiliate us."

Team spokesman Bill Stevens could not confirm that Wilson, the team's career receptions leader, has left. Stevens said Wilson remains suspended.

Wilson, a junior, set school single-season records last year with 82 receptions and 1,388 yards receiving. This season, he leads the team with 52 receptions for 813 yards.

Later Saturday, WSU athletic director Bill Moos issued a statement:

"It is unfortunate that Marquess has chosen not to go through the weekend and have the subsequent visit with me as we had discussed last Tuesday," Moos said. "I was hopeful to provide additional guidance if he was willing to meet the standards that have been set by Mike Leach and his staff in their effort to establish a competitive football program at Washington State. Unfortunately, during times of coaching transitions, departures are not uncommon.

"We have procedures in place that were developed to monitor student-athlete welfare in all of our sports programs. We will continue to follow those procedures and modify them if needed.

"I believe I join many Cougars in wishing Marquess well in his future endeavors. WSU athletics plans no future statement at this time."