Rollover Delays WSU’s Morais Girlfriend Apparently Injured In Accident
Washington State football player Delmar Morais escaped serious injury Saturday morning when his Jeep flipped on Highway 195, WSU trainer Mark Smaha said.
Details of the accident were sketchy, but Morais’ girlfriend was apparently hospitalized with unspecified injuries, Smaha said. Morais remained in Spokane overnight and was expected to join the team sometime today.
While most of the Cougars rode buses from Pullman to Spokane before boarding their 11 a.m. charter flight to Los Angeles, Morais was among several players who traveled independently.
“There were a lot of kids that were driving up on their own because they’re leaving to go somewhere else when they get back,” Smaha said.
Morais, a backup defensive tackle, was not expected to be present this morning when WSU conducts its first Rose Bowl practice at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The accident occurred about 15 miles south of Spokane, Smaha estimated.
“We went by this Jeep and I thought, ‘That looks like Delmar’s Jeep,”’ Smaha said. “We didn’t pull over because there wasn’t anybody there except for the cop.
“Later on, we found out that it was him. We found out on the plane.”
Conditions on Highway 195 were icy and there were several accidents along the way, Smaha reported.
Cheers for the road
About 100 supporters cheered the Cougars as they boarded their charter in Spokane.
Fans tossed footballs to quarterback Ryan Leaf, seeking his autograph. Leaf signed some balls and tossed them back.
Coach Mike Price was loaded with Christmas presents by well-wishers.
Travelin’ man
Leaf, who spent much of last week attending awards shows in Florida and New York, said he could have done without another plane ride.
“I think I’ve spent more time on a plane the last week or so than I have on the ground,” Leaf said “It’s good to be settled and be able to see my family here in a few days, just spend some quality time with my teammates. I haven’t been able to do that in a while.”
Price lets players relax
With two weeks remaining until kickoff against top-ranked Michigan, coach Mike Price is giving players several nights off.
“On the 26th, we’ll crank it back down and start really concentrating on Michigan and preparing and getting our sleep so that we’re ready to play a good game,” he said. “We’ll be ready to play.”
Until then, coaches will not conduct nightly bed checks.
“I sense that the players are really excited, hyped up,” Price said. “They’re acting like a bunch of 20-year-olds. It’s great. They’re having fun.”
Leaf said the Cougars will have no problem focusing on the game.
“We’ve been down to business the last two weeks,” he said. “We’ve really done a good job of staying focused on what we need to do.
“Michigan is the No. 1 thing on our mind right now and nothing’s going to let that get away from us, but we’re going to enjoy this time because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal and we have to enjoy every minute we can.”
Cougars healthy
For the first time all season, the Cougars have no injured players.
“I didn’t even turn in an injury report for the last three practices,” Smaha said. “We’re very healthy.”
Strong safety Duane Stewart, who missed the final three regular-season games with strained knee ligaments, has been practicing at full strength.
The senior from nearby Ontario, Calif., will probably start against Michigan, defensive coordinator Bill Doba said. Sophomore Torry Hollimon has started in Stewart’s place. Both will play Jan. 1.
Quotable
“I didn’t know all these media guys would be here once we got off the plane. It’s kind of overwhelming right now, actually. I guess this is the big one.” - WSU linebacker Brandon Moore, moments after stepping off the team plane at Los Angeles International Airport.
Quotable II
“I don’t know about the piano. I don’t know if it’s big enough.” - WSU coach Mike Price, when asked if his hotel suite measured up to expectations.
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