Earle Bruce Fired as Colorado State Coach

Earle Bruce, football coach at Colorado State, was fired Monday for creating what school officials said was a climate of "intimidation and fear."

Bruce, fired by Ohio State in 1987, had two years left on his contract. He refused to quit Sunday during a meeting with university President Albert Yates. Bruce, 62, said Monday he intended to fight to keep his job.

"I am not perfect," Bruce said during an emotional news conference. "I do not deny that in some instances I have been aggressive on the field. I would not damage a player at all."

In 1990, Bruce took Colorado State to its first bowl game in 42 years. But the Rams were 5-7 this season and 22-24-1 under his leadership. His record is 154-80-2.