Cougars

C.J. Mizell, one of the most talented football players at Washington State, yet one of its most enigmatic, has been booted from the team by new coach Mike Leach after a weekend incident in which Mizell was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor assault and trespassing at a fraternity party.

The school announced only that Mizell would not be retained after a violation of team policy. The Spokesman-Review reported that Mizell tried to enter a party at the Delta Tau Delta house and struck a man several times when he wasn't allowed to enter.

Mizell, a middle linebacker, had a shoulder problem leading up to the Apple Cup last November, and when he didn't play in the first half, changed into sweat clothes. WSU coaches were evasive afterward about what happened.

As a freshman in 2010, Mizell noticeably loafed through some practices before his work ethic improved somewhat. He started 15 games in his two seasons.

He was a surprise signee at WSU in 2010 after having signed with Florida State in 2009 out of high school in Tallahassee. But he didn't have a qualifying test score, and he slipped through the cracks before WSU decided to offer him a scholarship. He had been sentenced to probation at one point for possession of a small amount of marijuana.

At Coffee County (Ga.) High as a sophomore, Mizell got into an altercation with his coach and left the team. June Munford, assistant superintendent of schools there, described the incident to The Times as not "really a fight, it wasn't really punches, just some aggressiveness, one toward the other."

Mizell's departure thins what was regarded as a promising young group. Among the linebackers remaining on the roster are Sekope Kaufusi, Darryl Monroe, Logan Mayes, Chester Su'a, Darren Markle, Cyrus Coen and Darren Markle. Also a possibility to return is Louis Bland — who hasn't played since 2009 because of a recurring knee problem — and four high-school linebackers signed last week.

Bud Withers: 206-464-8281 or bwithers@seattletimes.com