Coug Fans Express Anger And Sadness As Another Chapter To Ryan Leaf Story Unfolds

Ryan Leaf had appeared on various social media sites recently, excited about his new life with family and his job as an analyst with ESPN.  It really appeared like he had turned his life around and, perhaps maybe he has.  There are few details available, as the troubled ex-WSU Cougar quarterback made news again this weekend as he was arrested on a domestic battery charge in the Palm Springs area.

On the Cougar Facebook page, reaction was varied from sadness that he had slipped again, to feelings of anger and betrayal, to those wanting to get more facts. Of course, Leaf had to serve hard time several years ago after breaking into a house to steal prescription drugs.  Even that was after there was word of him turning his life around.  

Leaf was an extremely talented quarterback who led the Washington State Cougars in 1997  to their greatest season and first Rose Bowl in decades.  Sadly, his life after that has been a sad story for him and those who have stuck with him through thick and thin.  

Ryan Leaf Book Compelling

596 Switch refers to a play that the Ryan Leaf had planned to run as the last play of the 1998 Rose Bowl.  Of course, the Washington State Cougars, who were in the Rose Bowl for the first time in 60 plus years, faced one of the most controversial endings in college football.
Ryan Leaf is one of the most polarizing figures in all of sports.  Most remember him for his tempermental outburst in the San Diego Chargers' locker room.  They also remember his uncerimonious retirement from the Seattle Seahawks.   A few months ago, however, the word was out that Leaf had, shall we say, turned over a new leaf, showing maturity and humility in public apearences.  This book would bear that out, as Leaf, writes rather critically about his childish behaviour in certain situations. 
The best thing about this book is the player's eye view of the Coug's 1997-98 magical season, where the team, often considered the joke of the Pac 10 rolled over opponents and went to it's first Rose Bowl in decades.  Leaf suceeds in bringing the drama and joy of the season to life.
Of course, sadly, it seems that Leaf has fallen back into his bad patterns, but for readers who live and die with Cougar Football, I highly recomend this book.

Cougar Fans Saddened By Leaf Trevails

Once upon a time, the idea of the Washington State Cougars playing in the Rose Bowl was thought to be a fairy tale, then came Ryan Leaf.  In 1997, the junior quarterback from Montana, showed presense in the pocket, a strong arm, and a cocky attitude.  He lead his team to the Pac 10 championship for the first time in over 30 years.   He was considered a can't miss pro prospect, then the bubble burst.
The San Diego Chargers, gave up the house to have drafting rights to Leaf.  He hit a snag in his rookie season and made ESPN highlight reels with a nasty exchange with reporters. His struggles culminated with his arrest a couple of years ago for burglary.
Recently though, reports came out about a new Ryan Leaf, who was working to fight against his addictions. He survived a brain tumor and wrote a book, the world seemed ready to forgive Ryan and visa versa. But a couple of days ago, the Leaf saga took a turn for the worst, as he was once again arrested for burglary, has Ryan Leaf fooled us again, or is this just another bump on the road to his recovery.  Leaf was arrested again today for burglary in attempt to steal prescription drugs.  Prosecutors had already moved to revoke his probation.

Seattle Sports Host Interviews Leaf

With great command in the "pocket" and a laser accurate arm, Ryan Leaf in 1997 took WSU to it's first Rose Bowl in 60 odd years. He seemed like a slam dunk to succeed in the NFL and in fact was the number two overall draft pick the following year by the San Diego Chargers. Instead of stardom, Leaf suffered a series of missteps, nearly ruining the Chargers franchise.
After being out of the "public eye" for nearly a decade, Leaf was in the headlines again last year after reports that he was about to be indicted on a breaking and entering charge. KJR midday host Ian Furness interviewed a seemingly contrite Leaf last Wednesday. You can hear the interview by clicking here.