Facing media for the first time since Feb. 2, when post-Super Bowl incidents led to an assault investigation, his suspension from spring practice and the opening game at Hawaii Aug. 30, University of Washington quarterback Cyler Miles apologized Wednesday, calling his actions an “embarrassment” and his punishments “fair.”
Miles, a sophomore and Washington’s presumptive starter after the departure of senior Keith Price, and wide receiver Damore’ea Stringfellow, no longer on the team, engaged with Seahawks revelers in the U District following the Super Bowl. Stringfellow ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor assault. Miles wasn’t charged due to lack of evidence, but new head coach Chris Petersen sidelined him for the entirety of spring practice.
Last week, Petersen announced that Miles wouldn’t play at Hawaii, leaving the position battle to sophomore Jeff Lindquist redshirt freshman Troy Williams.
“I want to apologize for my behavior and my actions earlier this winter,” Miles said. “A lot of people that represent me are affected by my actions. Obviously my family, my teammates, my university, and also the city that I live in right now, Seattle.
“It was an embarrassment to all of those people, me, my family and my last name. So for that, I truly apologize and at the same time I realize that I did mess up. I highly regret it and I’m very excited to get back on the team and do my best to put this past me and start working with my guys again.”
During his media session Wednesday, Miles took every opportunity to shoulder blame for the incident, not once deflecting it. On his suspension from the Hawaii game, Miles called it a “fair consequence by him (Petersen), and regardless of what it was, I’ve got to take it anyway. I didn’t have a problem with it.”
Admitting that the ordeal has been difficult to endure, Miles added, “Things happen and I take full responsibility for my actions. I messed up big time, and I’m willing to face the consequences and do everything in my power to gain the respect back of Husky fans, my teammates and Coach Pete.”
Miles started one game last season, a 69-27 victory over Oregon State, in place of the injured Price. Miles saw action in eight contests, completing 37 of 61 passes for 418 yards and four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Stringfellow, who originally announced his intention to transfer to Nebraska, transferred to Mississippi instead.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="2188097 https://sportspressnw.wpengine.com/?p=2188097">2 Comments
Coach Pete handled this well. If this is a sincere apology, I wish Cyler well for the rest of his Husky career.
Notice no details given of that night. Just as well. Hope he learns from this. He could very easily be off the team.