6 Washington State players named persons of interest after fight at party

Six Washington State football players are persons of interest following a fight at a party in Pullman, Wa., that left two students hospitalized, reports Jacob Thorpe of the Spokesman.

Police confirmed the players were present at the party where a brawl erupted early Saturday morning, according to Cmdr. Chris Tennant. Other attendees also sustained minor injuries.

It's not clear whether the players were involved or to what degree.

Witnesses said the fight began when some people started throwing firecrackers or fireworks. One of the hospitalized students suffered a broken jaw that required facial reconstructive surgery, and the other was knocked unconscious and suffered what Thorpe described as "a bloody wound on the back of his neck."

"We're looking at this as a very serious felony assault level based on the injuries to two victims," Tennant said. "I expect this to be a lengthy investigation."

Cougars associate athletic director Bill Stevens confirmed that coaches knew of the incident and the allegations, but didn't comment further.

A lengthy investigation could impact the start of the Cougars' season, with their first game scheduled for Sept. 3 against Eastern Washington.