"We're Ass-Kicking People" - Jack Thompson's Rally Call For WSU Ahead of 2024

Joe Londergan | Jul 14, 2024

Sep 11, 2021; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars helmet sits during a game against the Portland State Vikings in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 44-24. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports / James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

This past week, the Pac-12 hosted a media event in Las Vegas titled ""After Hours with the Beavs & Cougs." Several program legends of both Oregon State and Washington State were part of the festivities, including legendary Washington State quarterback Jack Thompson, AKA "The Throwin' Samoan."

In a quote published by Sports Business Journal, Thompson was among the voices voicing optimism for the Pac-12's future at a time where the league has just two official members.

“We’re ass-kicking people. That’s what I want to see here," Thompson noted.

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Thompson is one of two players to have their jersey number officially retired by the WSU football program. The Samoa-born Seattleite threw for 7,818 yards and 53 touchdowns from 1975-1978. He was the third overall selection in the 1979 NFL Draft.

Throughout the aforementioned event in Vegas, Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed the league's intention to stay alive and continue to combat the challenges presented to it by the current state of college athletics. The league's two athletic directors expressed similar sentiments.

“What [the future] exactly looks like, I don’t know,” newly appointed WSU ADAnne McCoy said. “But, to be honest, I envision us being in a great place because the two schools and the Pac-12 aren’t going to settle for anything less.”

The Pac-12 plans to release video from the "After Hours" event later this week.