Cougar Arrested, Suspended

Tue., July 28, 1998

By Andrea Vogt andreav@spokesman.com

Washington State University defensive lineman Taeao Salausa has been temporarily suspended from the football team because of his arrest Sunday in connection with an alleged rape July 11.

Salausa, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound tackle, who transferred from Long Beach City College in California last year, was booked into the Whitman County jail Sunday. He appeared before District Court Judge David Frazier Monday and was released on the conditions he stay in the area, not contact the alleged victim and not use drugs or alcohol.

The Pullman Police Department forwarded charges of second-degree rape, first-degree burglary and third-degree theft to the Whitman County Prosecutor’s office, which has until 5 p.m. Wednesday to file formal charges.

“The charge against Taeao Salausa is a very serious allegation and we are taking a very serious and thorough look at the facts,” said WSU coach Mike Price. “I have placed Taeao on temporary suspension from the team until I have the opportunity to meet with him and the local police agencies. Making any long-range decision regarding his Cougar football future before meeting with the authorities would be premature and unfair to everyone involved.”

According to the Pullman Police Department, a 29-year-old WSU student alleges Salausa entered her residence and sexually assaulted her. After he left, several items were found missing, according to the victim, who said Salausa was an acquaintance. She had been in contact with Salausa earlier in the evening, said Pullman Police Detective Fred Baker.

WSU sports information director Rod Commons said many members of the football coaching staff had just arrived for work in Pullman on Monday and were surprised by the arrest.

“I can’t remember when we’ve had a rape charge filed against any of our players,” Commons said.

“The coaching staff will be working with local authorities for a thorough investigation.”

Though Salausa played in all 12 games for the Cougars last year and started once, making 13 tackles and one interception, his status for this season was still undecided.

“He didn’t have a starting spot locked up,” Commons said.

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Cougar Arrested, Suspended

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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