Leach Out at Texas Tech
It didn’t take long for Texas Tech officials to act, firing outspoken and embattled coach Mike Leach today. Leach was placed on suspension Monday for allegations of misconduct towards players, particularly following a complaint lodge by ESPN’s college football analyst Craig James’ son, Adam.
Leach had prepared to fight the suspension, requesting a court hearing today to obtain an injunction against the university to all him to coach in the Alamo Bowl on January 2nd. Texas Tech officials clearly were not pleased by Leach’s actions, handing his attorney a termination letter prior to the hearing, ending Leach’s employment with university. Leach’s attorney, Ted Liggett, informed the court that the hearing was no longer necessary given Leach’s firing.
Liggett informed the media that he plans to file a lawsuit against the university for wrongful termination. When asked about the turn of events, Liggett shared that they had evidence the suspension was without merit and that the university “pulled the trigger, they don’t want that coming out.” Liggett suggested they will pursue the entire $10 million remaining on the contract.
As noted by BenchwarmersUnited colleague Tim Daly’s recent column, Leach’s days were numbered once this complaint was filed. When it comes from someone carrying Craig James’ weight, you are finished before you get started. This will hopefully send a message to coaches like Leach and Mark Mangino that their conduct is simply deplorable. Kansas and Texas Tech’s no tolerance approach to their firings is refreshing.
These college kids only receive a free education, a minor variable cost to a university which makes millions in return for their services. The conduct displayed these coaches is perfectly fine in the professional ranks, but it has no place at the collegiate level.
Tags: adam james, craig james, mark mangino, mike leach, Texas Tech
