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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Just keep running

If you won’t follow Leach’s rules,

Linebacker C.J. Mizell was dismissed from the team by Leach in February after an altercation at a party. (FILE)

One of the biggest changes coach Mike Leach has brought to the Washington State football team has nothing to do with passing yardage or point totals.

Leach shook up the WSU program by instituting his famed zero-tolerance policy in regards to the three violations he deems most reprehensible – drug use, theft, and abuse of women.

Players found out quickly the consequences of violating these basic ground rules. In March, potential starting linebacker Sekope Kaufusi was dismissed from the team after an arrest for alleged marijuana possession.

Anthony Laurenzi, a senior who likely would have started on the defensive line, was kicked off the team after police alleged he shoplifted a pair of headphones from Walmart shortly before camp started.

Two other players have also been dismissed for violating team rules.

C.J. Mizell (pictured), a talented but troubled linebacker, was shown the door after an altercation at a fraternity party in early February.

And redshirt freshman defensive lineman T.J. Poloai was booted in mid-January for an undisclosed violation of team policy.