Darren Gardenhire leaves UW days before Apple Cup

Tue., Nov. 22, 2016

By Jacob Thorpe

PULLMAN – Just a few days before the Apple Cup to determine the Pac-12 North champion, junior cornerback Darren Gardenhire announced that he will transfer to a different school. Gardenhire reportedly refused to take a drug test, though coach Chris Petersen told reporters that his departure is due to a “difference in philosophy.”

Gardenhire announced he was leaving in a post on Instagram.

“I would just like to say that I appreciate everyone at the University of Washington and thank them for everything they’ve helped me accomplish while I spent my time here. After talking with my family and really taking time to make this decision, I will no longer be continuing my career here at the University of Washington,” he wrote.

Gardenhire started in nine of the team’s 13 games last season, and has played in every game this season. He has 13 tackles, an interception and recovered a fumble in the team’s win over Arizona State last Saturday.

Though Gardenhire lost his starting job this season, he had a good shot to start next season with Kevin King graduating and Sidney Jones likely heading to the NFL.

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Darren Gardenhire leaves UW days before Apple Cup

Jesse Tinsley

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