Walsh Regrets Husky Attack -- Stanford Coach `Embarrassed' Over Remarks

Just a week after criticizing the University of Washington football program, Stanford Coach Bill Walsh said today that he had no business calling the Huskies "mercenaries."

"I was in error to remark on the University of Washington football program and am embarrassed over this development," Walsh said this morning. "Their program has thrived for many years and I'm sure they believe in their formula. And it is their business, not ours."

Walsh made his original remarks in a speech last week to more than 100 Stanford alumni in Sacramento, Calif. His speech was characterized by Sacramento Bee columnist R.E. Graswich as "sarcastic and blunt."

"The football players there have almost no contact with the rest of the student body," Walsh was quoted as saying in his speech. "They have an athletic department compound, and that's where they spend their time. When they use up their eligibility and are expected to return to society, they have none of the skills you are supposed to gain in college."

Walsh said today that his remarks were meant generally about college football programs and were not aimed specifically or solely at the University of Washington.

Walsh told the Bee yesterday that he had made his remarks despite advice not to do so.

"That's the first time I ever said those things in public," Walsh said in the Bee. "My athletic director told me not to do it. But they are important. I didn't invent any of it.

"The things I have read about Washington were devastating. They bring in football players without any preparatory courses. They just throw them in and expect them to compete. How many kids are ready for that? It's no wonder only 33 percent of the football players at Washington graduate."

The Huskies sent Walsh's remarks to the Pac-10 office this morning. UW Athletic Director Barbara Hedges will speak to the Stanford AD Ted Leland, said Jim Daves, UW sports information director.

"Bill Walsh has a right to say what he wants, but maybe he should be better informed before he calls people mercenaries," Daves said. " . . . We spend $670,000 a year on tutoring athletes. We have a program that allows athletes to return for their degrees after they finish their eligibility. Does that sound like we don't care about them?"

Walsh issued a statement late this morning, expressing regret over the matter.

"There isn't any way a person can deny the success they have enjoyed on the field," the statement said.

"Don James is considered one of the great coaches in the game. His teams are extremely well prepared and well organized and play with great intensity.

"My rather unfortunate remarks in no way represented Stanford University or its thoughts on this matter.

"They were my feelings solely."

James could not be reached for comment today. Washington will open its 1993 football season at home Sept. 5 against Stanford.