By Rick Stanton
I wish to establish something early-on, if you’re not a regular reader of my columns. I’m an unapologetic, dyed-in-the-wool, rabid Husky. In retirement, my wardrobe is dominated by UW hoodies and jeans.
That said, I want to talk about Washington State University and, specifically, its football coach, Mike Leach.
After losing the Apple Cup for the seventh time in a row, largely due to Leach’s lack of in-game coaching acumen, he decided to denigrate a sportswriter from the Spokane Spokesman-Review, John Blanchette.
Leach offered up one of his luddite opinions about life, this time opining that the UW is always touted as having better recruiting classes as an explanation for why the Cougs always lose to the Dawgs.
“So you’re not supposed to beat teams that have higher-ranked recruiting classes?” Blanchette asked.
Then Leach made matters personal, referring to the reporter’s life as “meager” and that he “lives in a hole,” and other stunningly rude and unprofessional comments.
I’ve liked most of the coaches from Pullman. The rivalries have been heated, but there always has been a modicum of dignity and decency, along with mostly good-natured back-and-forth between the programs.
But Mike Leach is a classic boor.
If it’s true that the UW recruits better than WSU, that seems to fall on Leach’s shoulders—as does his inability and unwillingness to adapt his game plan during seven Apple Cups in a row.
When you listen to him spout off on just about any subject, as he’s wont to do, you have to wonder if the guy got dropped on his head when he was a baby.
There are those that think his eccentricity is that of a genius. I think it’s the opposite.
Having been recruited as a baseball player back in the days of wooden bats, sanitary socks and stirrups, I can’t imagine having Leach in my home, talking about whatever and, after he left, telling my son, “That’s where you’re going to school.”
The recruiting process is, in no small part, the marketing aspect of big-time college athletics. Leach comes off like a one-man ad agency looking for another used-car client.
Truth be told, as a devoted Husky, I hope he stays in Pullman forever.
But as someone who appreciates the value civility brings to life, I hope for the sake of all my Cougar friends—of whom there are many—that the school has the good sense to rid itself of the embarrassment that is Mike Leach.
Finally, to my old business partner, great friend and dedicated Coug, Jon Njos—you owe me dinner. Again.
P.S. This was written before Husky coach Chris Petersen’s startling resignation. The wrong coach resigned!