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Marquess Wilson Quits Washington State Football Team Over ‘Abuse’ From Mike Leach, WSU Coaches

Washington State and their star wide receiver have differing views over their recent split.

The Cougars announced on Wednesday that Marquess Wilson was suspended from the team indefinitely for violating team rules. Wilson released a statement on Sunday saying that he left the team over abuse from WSU coaches according to the Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Advance-Register.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to forgo playing football for Washington State University,” Wilson said in his released statement. “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.”

Wilson had 52 receptions for 813 yards and five touchdowns in 2012. He was on pace for his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. Wilson continued in his statement:

“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 drams, my education and my pride. I resign from this team.”

Washington State head coach Mike Leach was fired from his previous job at  Texas Tech after forcing a player to stand in an equipment room during practice. Wilson was reportedly suspended for walking out of a conditioning drill on Sunday.

To read Wilson’s full statement, click here.