Cougars' troubled DT Andy Roof expelled

Andy Roof, the troubled Washington State defensive tackle who has had multiple legal scrapes, was expelled from school Tuesday by WSU's student-conduct board, effectively ending his tenure there.

The action came a day after fall-semester classes began at WSU. Assault charges against Roof from an April incident in Pullman are still under consideration by Whitman County prosecutors.

"I was very disappointed when I heard the decision," said first-year coach Paul Wulff. "Andy's changed his life around 180 degrees, and as a coaching staff we've seen the positive impact he's made in the program."

Roof missed the 2007 season after having a third alcohol-related offense, including two DUI charges. He was back in school last spring when he got involved in an early-morning fight with six people at a party.

Police requested six assault charges, including one felony, and the case went to county prosecutors. Spokespeople have indicated a decision was imminent several times, but one said Monday no word is expected until late next week.

Wulff has disputed a police official's statement after the incident that alcohol was involved, and maintained that multiple support-staff personnel have indicated that Roof had made a dramatic turnaround in his behavior after his return from the 2007 suspension.

Roof can transfer to a lower-level school, but because of the timing of the decision, it would prevent him from taking part in fall camp.

Roof had been listed as a second-string tackle. Said Wulff, "There's going to be an impact, no question."

Another misdemeanor assault charge against Roof from a November 2006 incident in Pullman was dismissed.

Elaine Voss, director of student conduct at WSU, said the issue of criminal charges is independent of action by the board, comprised of three faculty members and two students.

Roof's hearing took place a week ago. As for the near-four-month delay from Roof's alleged assault incident to the hearing, Voss said, "Summertime is clearly more challenging. We need to have all the individuals who can add something to the case to help people make decisions."

Roof, asked if he felt he was given a fair hearing, said, "I can't answer that. I do have an opinion, but I don't want to say anything."

Note

• Dan Rowland, a fifth-year senior who started all 12 games at right guard last season, has left the team citing persistent, chronic pain in both shoulders for his departure.