Pac-12 College Football Star Quits Over 'Abuse' By Coaches

Washington State University wide receiver Marquess Wilson was having another fabulous season with 52 receptions, 813 years, and five touchdowns.

Despite this, after being suspended earlier in the week for refusing to finish a training drill, he issued a statement Saturday quitting the team for what he called "abuse" by the coaching staff:

“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."

WSU athletic director Bill Moos released the following statement Saturday:

“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. 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.”

WSU's record this year has been atrocious. They are 2-8 on the season as well as 0-7 in the Pac-12.

On top of this, Wilson was having another banner year after setting the school's single-season records last year with 82 receptions and 1,388 yards receiving.

He quits as the school’s all-time leader in receiving yards.