Washington State Coach Challenges College Gameday Host on Conference Realignment and Student-Athlete Wellbeing
Washington State football coach Jake Dickert recently challenged College Gameday host Lee Corso on the topics of conference realignment and student-athlete wellbeing. The challenge arose after Corso referred to the Cougars/Beavers game as The No One Watches Bowl during a broadcast. Dickert expressed his desire to have a conversation with Corso about the value of breaking up the premier west coast conference and the potentially negative effects of flying student-athletes all over the country.
Over the weekend, Dickert had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Corso. In a press availability, he clarified that his remarks were not meant as disrespect towards Corso or the TV show, as they have been instrumental in promoting Washington State’s brand nationally. His frustrations stemmed from decisions made by a conglomerate of individuals that seemed to lack clarity based on metrics and real facts.
Dickert emphasized the profound impact that conference realignment could have on the Cougars and teams across the country. He felt responsible for standing up for the people of Washington State, including faculty, students, alumni, and the community of Pullman. He also expressed concern for his staff, the athletes, and their families. He underscored the pressure faced by young people today and highlighted the importance of equipping them with the necessary tools to handle these situations.
The coach stressed that his primary focus is on the student-athletes and their development as individuals. He cited examples of how he aims to instill character values, discipline, and hard work in his players so they can make a positive impact on the world beyond football. He expressed his vested interest in the future of Washington State and his commitment to helping the university find the best path forward in terms of conference affiliation. He firmly believes that the Cougars can compete at the highest level and is excited to contribute to that success.
Washington State and Oregon State are the only two teams set to remain in the Pac-12 after this season. They are currently searching for conference homes and recently obtained a temporary restraining order against conference commissioner George Kliavkoff to prevent the dissolving of the conference and a potential equal split of its assets. The next step for the Cougars and Beavers is to await a preliminary injunction hearing, which will provide more clarity on the assets and inform their next moves.
Washington State University President Kirk Schulz anticipates obtaining some level of clarity within 30 days, as discussed during a joint news conference with Oregon State’s president and athletic director. As the situation unfolds, both universities are navigating the complexities of conference realignment and working towards securing the best outcome for their athletic programs.
In summary, Coach Jake Dickert’s challenge to College Gameday host Lee Corso sparked a productive conversation. By expressing his concerns about conference realignment and student-athlete wellbeing, Dickert demonstrated his commitment to advocating for the people of Washington State and ensuring the best outcome for the university and its athletics programs. The next 30 days will likely bring increased clarity on the situation as Washington State and Oregon State plan their next moves.
