Outside of police reports and a statement from his lawyer, we don't know much about Derrick Washington's rationale or story behind the incident that's now apparently ended his career at Missouri. Not talking to the media was probably the right call for Washington, but all we've heard from him is an explanation for why he didn't face consequences for a June incident until August: he wasn't served the order of protection filed against him over the summer by the alleged sexual assault victim.

The details in the police report made it obvious: This wasn't a situation that was going away quickly, and it would have a lasting imprint on Washington's reputation, convicted or otherwise.

But there's likely one person who has heard Washington's side of what happened: Missouri coach Gary Pinkel.

And late Wednesday morning, the school issued a release saying Washington had been permanently suspended from the program. The school plans to honor his athletic scholarship as long as he remains at Missouri.

Whatever facts Pinkel gathered clearly convinced him that Washington was no longer a player he wanted in his program, a bold gesture toward a player that's led the Tigers in rushing the past two seasons, totaling 1,901 yards and looked poised for a big finale in his senior season.

Now, continuing his football career will likely require two things:

1) Sitting out 2010, regardless of whether he tries to transfer to an FCS school or elsewhere at the FBS level to finish out his career. The timing of his suspension -- almost exactly 72 hours before Missouri's season opener against rival Illinois -- will make it nearly impossible for Washington to find a new home and transfer a la former Oregon star Jeremiah Masoli, especially with court dates back in Missouri looming, the first of which is scheduled for Sept. 23.

2) Convincing a coach of what he couldn't convince Pinkel: That he deserves a spot on his roster.

Neither will be easy.

Pinkel graciously let Washington keep his scholarship, a helping hand Pinkel didn't have to extend to his former team captain. Washington may want to continue to play the game he's spent years working toward, but his best option may be taking advantage Pinkel's good will and finishing his degree.