Entertaining, remorseful, and self-deprecating, Rick Neuheisel once again was holding court at the University of Washington.
This time, though, his voice was coming through a speaker during a teleconference call with reporters Monday morning.
One of the most focused-on figures in Washington football history, Neuheisel will make his first appearance at Husky Stadium this Saturday since June of 2003. He's now in charge at UCLA, which faces Washington at 7:15 p.m.
Neuheisel, fired five years ago by Washington for NCAA violations, said Monday he wanted Husky fans to know he was sorry for the way his departure occurred. Neuheisel understands he is viewed by many fans as the person responsible for the start of the program's recent descent.
"For me, this thing, if there's any emotion, it's kind of between the fans and myself," Neuheisel said. "I just want the fans to know I'm truly sorry for the messiness of how things shook out."
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It was preschool-paint-class messy. The university ended up in a prolonged lawsuit against Neuheisel, which culminated in a $4.5 million settlement paid to the coach who claimed he felt "fully vindicated" afterward.
After leaving Washington, Neuheisel spent a brief time as a volunteer coach at Rainier Beach High School and then resurfaced as an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens for three years, 2005-07. Neuheisel was hired by UCLA, his alma mater, last December, replacing Karl Dorrell.
Three things have accompanied Neuheisel at his previous college stops with Washington and Colorado.
First, enthusiasm. Neuheisel could give Flavor Flav a run for the title "Best Hype Man Ever," though his rap name could not be Slick Rick, his nickname among fans and opponents. It's taken.
Second, controversy. Neuheisel left both programs amid NCAA sanctions, the coach guilty of a variety of transgressions at each university.
Third, wins. Neuheisel was 33-16 at Washington, 33-14 at Colorado.
Monday, Neuheisel reflected on the trifecta he brought to Washington.
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