Perhaps the biggest blow for Oregon State in recent weeks was the departure of running back Damien Martinez, who had previously pledged his loyalty to the Beavers.
The former Pac-12 Freshman of the Year had proclaimed in interviews and on social media that he was not abandoning the team as the school faced the dissolution of the conference and the departure of his coach.
So it was a surprise when Martinez announced earlier this month that he was entering the transfer portal.
“I can truly say I have given my all to Oregon State and appreciate everything OSU has given me. After long talks with my family and the people closest to me, I intend to enter the transfer portal to continue chasing my childhood dreams for this upcoming season,” he posted on Instagram.
Chasing his dream apparently wasn’t going to happen in Corvallis.
It wasn’t just Martinez. Eight players from the Oregon State women’s basketball team who played in the Elite Eight this month have entered the portal — including AP third-team All America forward Raegan Beers. Eight players from the men’s side have also departed.
There has been a similar exodus of some prominent players at Washington State. Quarterback Cam Ward is now at Miami and women’s basketball player Charlisse Leger-Walker, who helped the Cougars win the Pac-12 tournament in 2023, has elected to spend her final season at UCLA.
Twelve players from Washington State’s men’s basketball team that went to the NCAA Tournament this past season for the first time since 2008 have entered the portal.
Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes addressed the unease in an open letter to the Oregon State community.
“I hear you and know that it feels like since August we have been on the receiving end of multiple gut punches. When that happens, you are faced with two options – exit the ring or throw counterpunches,” he wrote. “Hear this Beaver Nation, the gloves are on, and we will not stray from our mission.”
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