Mike Leach is one of college football’s more unique personalities, and he never backs away from offering his opinion during press conferences.
But sometimes, even The Pirate can miss the mark entirely.
The Washington State coach held his weekly press conference on Monday, and given the Cougars’ upcoming game against UCLA, a reporter asked for his thoughts on California’s Fair Pay to Play Act, which would give college athletes in the state the right to profit from their likeness and endorsements.
It wasn’t entirely surprising that Leach, who recently signed a $20 million extension, was against the bill. He literally profits from the status quo, but his explanation was especially odd.
Leach suggested that California focus on cleaning their streets before getting involved in college athletics.
Leach said:
“I do think if everybody’s not given — in other words, if you’re creating a recruiting advantage beyond what already exists, I think it’s gonna be very difficult. I think there will be a huge imbalance and you’ll destroy college football.”
He continued, saying about California:
“The state of California has trouble keeping their streets clean right now. So my thought is that they probably ought to focus on that. That’s just one man’s opinion. I’m sure I’m probably wrong. But at the rate that California’s handling their infrastructure and some of their other problems, I think we’ll see how they do with that before I really think it would be that beneficial for the legislature in California to enter into college football.”
It was unclear if Leach was referring to literal dirtiness of California streets or the homeless problem in the state’s major cities — a regular focus of conservative media. His bit about infrastructure added confusion to whatever point he was trying to make.
But still, just as Leach and his staff are capable of game-planning for more than one opponent, governments are supposed to be capable of focusing on multiple issues and agendas simultaneously.
It was a strange remark to make for that subject.
