WSU fans need lesson on athletics

I’ve had it with these so-called “fans” complaining about Mike Leach’s contract and Bill Moos as athletic director at WSU.  It’s time to educate the Inland Northwest fans about big-time college athletics. 

First, the money. The head football coach’s salary does not come from state budget money for WSU. It does not come from tuition and fees paid by students. It doesn’t come from money used to pay faculty or staff.  The money comes from revenue generated by the athletic department – ticket sales, donations and television revenue. Revenue from a $3 billion (Pac-12) television contract with Fox Sports.

Second, WSU should thank its lucky stars that Moos decided to return. His track record speaks for itself. Look at what he did at Montana, now a perennial power, and Oregon, last year’s national championship participant.  Moos is a visionary, something Inland Northwest fans can’t understand.  Moos doesn’t stand for mediocrity. He wants a winner and so do I. If it wasn’t for Moos and the other Pac-12 athletic directors’ insight and ability to negotiate that $3 billion contract, this letter would be pointless and Leach would still be hanging out with Jimmy Buffett in Margaritaville.

Finally, I have had several opportunities to see Leach’s former team, Texas Tech, play in person. In one word, they were entertaining – something Cougars football hasn’t been for a long time.  Now WSU has Coach Leach. I have to say that I’m glad to be a season-ticket holder. It will be funny when those who whine about the salary show up at Martin Stadium only to find the “sold-out” sign in the ticket-office window. Maybe then they’ll realize what you get for $11 million.

Pete Early

Spokane