Washington State presdient calls for probe of claims of abuse

Washington State president Elson Floyd announced in a statement on Sunday that he has asked the school's athletic department and the Pac-12 to independently investigate Marquess Wilson's claims of abuse by the coaching staff, which led to his decision to quit the team.

Here is the statement, as reported by the Spokane Spokesman-Review:

"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, who is the school's career receiving leader and an NFL prospect, had faxed a letter to various media outlets on Saturday that he had left the Cougars and their program because of "physical, emotional and verbal abuse."

Leach had said Wilson had been suspended last week after walking out of a Sunday workout session.

But, according to the Spokesman-Review, Wilson's letter claimed the athletic department lied about his status with the team "to cover up what is really happening in that locker room."