COUGARS

As noted here last night, Pac-12 coaches are in Bristol this week for an ESPN media tour before the conference media day in Los Angeles on Friday.

One of the stops for WSU coach Mike Leach was ESPN's First Take, where he was asked about the new targeting rules that could lead to ejections for hits that were previously deemed legal.

The hit that comes to mind, of course, is South Carolina defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney's massive takedown of Michigan running back Vincent Smith during last season's Outback Bowl.

Folks are upset because some higher-ups in the football officiating community have said that Clowney's hit likely would lead to an ejection if it occurred in 2013.

Count Leach among those protesting the new rules. 

"I'm getting tired of everyone apologizing for playing football," Leach said, also calling the ejection rule "ridiculous."

And:

Mike Leach: “They should teach a clinic on the Clowney hit, not the other way around.”

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) July 24, 2013

I'm sure this will be discussed at more length on Friday. It should also be interesting to hear senior safety Deone Bucannon's take on the matter.

Also, if you're interested in Leach's portion of a live chat conducted by ESPN, go ahead and click this link.

Christian Caple can be reached at christianc@spokesman.com. Twitter: @ChristianCaple

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