Mike Leach Fired: Texas Tech Coach Mike Leach Fired Over Player Mistreatment
Texas Tech Coach Mike Leach was fired today, following an incident of player abuse. Texas Tech released the following statement about the news of Mike Leach’s firing:
“After reviewing all the information available, Texas Tech University has decided that the best course of action for the university and its football program is to terminate its relationship with Head Football Coach Mike Leach for cause.
Texas Tech was prepared to participate in the legal proceeding today on coach Leach’s motion for a temporary restraining order. His attorney, however, chose to not participate when he was informed that the termination of coach Leach was inevitable.
The coach’s termination was precipitated by his treatment of a player after the player was diagnosed with a concussion. The player was put at risk for additional injury. After the university was apprised of the treatment, Coach Leach was contacted by the administration of the university in an attempt to resolve the problem. In a defiant act of insubordination, Coach Leach continually refused to cooperate in a meaningful way to help resolve the complaint. He also refused to obey a suspension order and instead sued Texas Tech University. Further, his contemporaneous statements make it clear that the coach’s actions against the player were meant to demean, humiliate and punish the player rather than to serve the team’s best interest. This action, along with his continuous acts of insubordination, resulted in irreconcilable differences that make it impossible for coach Leach to remain at Texas Tech.
It is our number one priority to protect the welfare of our students and the reputation of the Texas Tech University. Parents have entrusted us with their children and we take this responsibility very seriously. We very much appreciate the leadership shown by the university’s athletic director, Gerald Myers, and president, Guy Bailey, in dealing with this unfortunate situation. The board supports their decision.”
ABC News reports that Mike Leach was fired just “one day before Leach, who signed a five year, $12.7 million contract earlier this year, was scheduled to receive an $800,000 bonus, according to ESPN. Instead, Leach will receive a severance package of $400,000 annually for the next four years.”
Mike Leach allegedly mistreated receiver Adam James, whose father is ESPN football analyst Craig James. The family’s attorney went to the university with the allegations.
James, who suffered a concussion, was allegedly made to stay isolated in an equipment room for hours.
Leach, the winningest coach in Texas Tech’s history, said the player was in an air-conditioned building for his own protection.
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