Allegations of Abuse by Earle Bruce Backed

Two Colorado State reserves on Tuesday supported allegations that fired football coach Earle Bruce physically abused players.

Bruce was fired Nov. 23 for several alleged violations of university and NCAA rules, including allegedly physically and verbally abusing players and forcing some to play with pain and take injections of painkillers.

“All the allegations they listed are true,” said running back Pat Ingrassia. “I’ve been hit with a closed fist on one or two occasions by Coach Bruce. I know he didn’t do it out of hate and that it wasn’t meant to hurt me, but it was wrong.”

James Coffey, a tight end, also said he had been hit by Bruce and that fear and intimidation were part of Bruce’s coaching style. “I don’t like the word ‘abuse,’ but he did hit me,” Coffey said.

Bruce, who did not return calls Tuesday, has not denied the allegations.