January 2, 2010
NCAA Football- Texas Tech fires coach Mike Leach
By Audrey Nolan
On Wednesday, Texas Tech announced that it had fired head coach Mike Leach. The announcement came just two days after his suspension, which occurred during an investigation into the coach’s treatment of receiver Adam James.
Leach was informed of his release when his attorney received a letter from the university immediately before a hearing in court regarding Leach’s suspension. Texas Tech general counsel Pat Campbell advised Leach’s attorney, Ted Ligget, that the action of the dismissal was effective immediately regardless of the outcome of the trial.
After he was so informed, Ligget told the judge that the hearing was no longer relevant, as the coach would not be reinstated for Saturday’s game, the Valero Alamo Bowl against Michigan State. He also promised that he would take legal measures against the university.
The investigation of Leach began when James, son of Craig James, former NFL player and football analyst, complained of his treatment by the coach on two different occasions during team practice, when he had a concussion. He stated that Leach had confined him to small, dark spaces while the team practiced.
A source close to the James family claimed that James had a concussion on December 16th. He was examined the next day and told by his doctor not to practice. Leach then allegedly moved James to an equipment closet, where he was directed to clean while unable to sit or lean. He was left in the space for three hours while under guard from a trainer, who waited outside the door.
The same incident occurred again just two days later.
Opinion over the coach is divided. Some players and staff offer their support for James, agreeing that Leach’s behavior was inappropriate.
"I have no complaints about this decision. [Leach] put Adam [James] in a shed like an animal. Like an animal in a cage. That was bull," defensive linesman Chris Perry said. "You call other players. I think it was a good decision. We have our pep back now. We practice hard this week. We had less stress this week. You know why? Because he's gone."
Others, however, support the coach, citing James’ troublesome behavior, including his lax attitude during practice.
According to Ligget, Leach’s attorney, the coach had evidence proving that his suspension on Monday was groundless; he also claimed that the university was merely dismissing Leach to prevent that knowledge from becoming public. Leach, however, has not yet provided this evidence; nonetheless, he stated he would take legal action against the university.
In February Leach and the University had agreed to a five year contract that was worth $12.7 million with an extra bonus of $800.000 if he was still the head coach by December 31st.
James’ family, on the other hand, has shown its support for the university in a statement, expressing how satisfied James and his relations were with the way the university handled the investigation. For them, the action against Leach was merely to protect James and his fellow teammates.
About the Author
Audrey Nolan is a top senior copy writer on NCAA Football and sports action for the online sports betting: http://www.instantactionsports.com. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.