Another Huskies player ended up on the wrong side of coach Chris Petersen. Sophomore CB Naijiel Hall, who played in all 14 games a year ago and started two, was fired from the University of Washington football team. Petersen, at his camp-opening press conference Friday, said it was a disciplinary matter, but did not elaborate.
“Unfortunately, that always happens — Naijiel’s been dismissed from our program,” Petersen said. “We need to move forward. Wish Naijiel the best.”
Hale announced on Twitter he was leaving, but said football remains important.
Im still the same young man. It’s hard when you so empty inside but this game is all I got and I won’t let a few differences come between it
— Loose Wayne (@NaijielHale) August 7, 2015
“I would like to announce that I will be taking my football career elsewhere and thank the university of Washington for everything they’ve taught me,” Hale wrote in another tweet. “I Thank you coach Lake and Coach Peterson for being there for me and understanding everything that I go through. Nobody in this world will understand my life yet I’m still moving forward. I’m so thankful to play and start many games as a True Freshmen in the PAC-12 and those memories will stick with me forever. New chapter ahead…. Ride with me.”
Hale, from Bellflower, CA., was expected to compete for a starting job this season. He was part of Petersen’s first recruiting class at Montlake.