UW quarterback Cyler Miles retires from football

SEATTLE – The Cyler Miles era is officially over for the Washington Huskies football team.

The school announced Monday that Miles, the fourth-year junior quarterback who had been on an indefinite leave of absence since March 13, has decided to retire from football due to a “chronic hip injury.”

UW’s official release states that Miles’ hip injury persisted throughout his career, and that “medical personnel have advised Miles that it would be against his best interest to continue to play on the injury.”

“I am grateful to coach (Chris) Petersen and his staff for all the opportunities I have been given here at Washington,” Miles said in a statement released by UW. “I am disappointed that my hip injuries will not allow me to continue playing, but I am committed to earning my UW degree and will leave the program with many great friendships and valuable lessons learned.”

Miles, who started 12 games last season as a third-year sophomore and threw for 2,397 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions, can remain on scholarship until he completes his undergraduate degree. But he will no longer count against UW’s 85-scholarship limit.

Miles came to UW as a coveted, four-star recruit, and after redshirting as a true freshman, he made his first career start in place of injured starter Keith Price in a 69-27 victory at Oregon State in November 2013.

But the following offseason proved troublesome. Miles was accused, along with former UW receiver Damore’ea Stringfellow, of assaulting a man during a celebration in the University District following the Seattle Seahawks’ victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVII.

Stringfellow eventually transferred after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor assault charges and a misdemeanor malicious mischief charge. The King County Prosecutor’s Office, citing lack of evidence, declined to file charges against Miles, who was suspended indefinitely by the UW and missed all of spring practice in 2014. Miles’ suspension continued through the first game of the 2014 season at which point he became the starting quarterback.