Morning hearing could determine who coaches Alamo Bowl
PDF: Leach motion for temporary restraining order
BY DON WILLIAMS AND ADAM ZUVANICH l AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
SAN ANTONIO — A hearing this morning could determine the head coach on the Texas Tech sideline for Saturday’s Alamo Bowl.
State District Judge William Sowder set a 10 a.m. closed-session hearing on a request for a temporary restraining order and injunction to block Texas Tech’s suspension of head football coach Mike Leach. The attorney general’s office will represent Tech.
Leach’s attorney, Ted Liggett, argued the university’s contract with Leach did not allow the school to suspend the coach.
“If it weren’t for the particular student-athlete involved, and his father, we wouldn’t be here,” Liggett said.
Tuesday afternoon, Liggett filed a motion in a Lubbock district court seeking a hearing and a temporary restraining order against the university, seeking Leach’s reinstatement.
Tech suspended Leach on Monday while investigating a complaint he subjected sophomore receiver Adam James to mistreatment following an injury.
Tech’s internal investigation began after James’ family complained about him being forced to stand inside dark, confined rooms twice in a three-day span while his teammates were practicing. A source told The A-J that Leach believed James was faking a concussion he’d suffered Dec. 16 in practice.
While he was inside, he was not allowed to sit down.
“We have a statement from the diagnosing doctor that said Mike didn’t do anything wrong,’’ Liggett said, “and that him being in the building instead of outside was better.’’
Reading from the statement of Dr. Michael Phy, a team physician, Liggett said, “No additional risks or harm were imposed on Adam by what he was asked to do.”
James’ father, Craig James, is a former SMU and NFL player who works as a college football television analyst for ESPN.
“I’m a dad,” Craig James said Tuesday during a televised ESPN interview. “Everybody knows me as an ESPN guy and a football guy, but I’m a dad. When my wife and I heard about it the first time, we had no idea how to respond. The second time it came to us, we really wanted to help protect Adam from further things that could go against him. This is not common sense, the tactics and the tools and the methods he was placed under following a doctor’s diagnosis of a concussion.’’
In the same conversation, James spoke highly of Tech, saying he had confidence the university will do a fair and thorough investigation.
“We believe in Texas Tech,’’ James said. “I’ve got two kids who go to school at Texas Tech. We love Texas Tech. It’s just about doing what’s right. That’s what Texas Tech University is trying to do right now.’’
The court document says if Leach is not reinstated, “harm is imminent because Mike Leach will be unable to coach his football team in practice prior to the Alamo Bowl and during the Alamo Bowl.
“The harm that will result if a temporary restraining order is not issued is irreparable (because) the Alamo Bowl will be played on January 2, and preparation is needed immediately. Not only will Mike Leach suffer personally due to his contract provisions and with regard to compensation, but his reputation and record will also be harmed as well as the reputation of the team, the football program and the university.”
Sowder has scheduled a closed hearing, but according to Don
Richards, a Lubbock attorney with Richards, Elder & Green who represents The Avalanche-Journal, the hearing should be open to the public and media. Richards said he intends to attend the hearing, speak with Sowder and “try to argue for open proceedings.”
“Basically, the law presumes all hearings, including civil hearings, are open to the public,” Richards said. “This is a very high-profile case, and the public has a high degree of interest. You have two very public parties, Texas Tech and the football coach, with a high degree of public awareness and desire to know because of the game Saturday. The judge would have to find very specific overriding reasons in this case to close the hearing.
“In our opinion, the judge should keep the hearing open to the public, all aspects of the hearing. Judge Sowder has been very good in this regard, so I think he would be very responsive to those concerns.”
In the motion filed Tuesday, Liggett argued Tech could not suspend Leach based on the language in his contract with the university.
When addressing possible disciplinary action against Leach, the contract states, “Breach of such rules and standards, whether willful or through negligence, may be subject to disciplinary action and penalties ranging from termination, public or private reprimand to monetary fines or adjustments in compensation or adjustments in the term of this contact.”
A letter to Leach dated Dec. 28, and signed by Tech Athletics Director Gerald Myers and President Guy Bailey, says, “We recently received a complaint from a player and his parents regarding your treatment of him after an injury, and we have undertaken an investigation of that complaint. We consider this a serious matter.
Until the investigation is complete, you are suspended from all duties as Head Football Coach effective immediately.”
According to another civil attorney in Lubbock, who requested anonymity, suspending Leach isn’t necessarily breaching his contact because of the term “ranging.”
“The argument that Liggett’s making is that because (the term) suspension isn’t used, it cannot be a form of disciplinary action,” the attorney said. “That seems to me to be contrary to the language.
This contract talks about a range of disciplinary actions and goes from one place to another. I would read it to include everything in between.”
In addition to his regular compensation, Leach is due a contract completion bonus of $800,000 if he is in place as Tech’s coach on Thursday.
“There has been absolutely no evidence presented to me that I committed any act which violated university rules or standards,” Leach wrote in a sworn affidavit. “I have never and would never intentionally harm or endanger a player. I am committed to Texas Tech University and the well being of my football players. I have been forced into this situation without being afforded any due process.”
With Leach away from the Red Raiders, preparations for Saturday’s game against Michigan State continued Tuesday under interim head coach Ruffin McNeill.
“We understood what was needed, and our core players understood what was needed,” McNeill said, “so the transition has been pretty easy. We’re making sure we stay focused right now. That’s the biggest thing.”
Both teams practiced indoors at the Alamodome on Tuesday because of cold, wet weather in San Antonio. McNeill characterized Tech’s players as “upbeat.”
“I mentioned it last night: We’ve faced a lot of adversity as a team all year long,” McNeill said. “Adversity is not a big deal for this ball club. I feel very comfortable in saying that.”
(Staff writer Logan Carver contributed to this report).
To comment on this story:
courtney.linehan@lubbockonline.com l 766-8735
terry.greenberg@lubbockonline.com l 766-8700
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This whole thing stinks to high heaven and has tainted things for our program for the foreseeable future! Myers couldn’t have done this on his own, but I just don’t understand why this all came to this point. My Captain won’t have to go down by himself on this ship, I’m going to stay with him!
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Hopefully things will go Leachs’ way. Best of luck to Leach. I will see you Saturday at the bowl game.
Please fellow Tech/ Leach supports, you know that Michigan St fans will throw this in our face as much as possible, as long with UT and A&M, so please hold your composure. Tech really doesn’t need anymore negative light. I get the feeling that the local news channels will be all over the dome more than usual looking for Tech fans to bash James, ESPN, Tech, Leach, Myers, whomever or whatever.
Wreck Em Tech!
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Its a shame that so many people support leach and cant make much difference in comparison to the 2 morons running the university and calling the shots. Everyone else can see through the B.S. and no thats not in Leach’s character. I suppose making Britton study in a snow storm is not near as bad as standing in an a/c cooled room…get real! Some of these kids dont realize the gift they have been given and are overly spoiled. What an injustice…
Keep your head up Leach and Players….the truth will come out soon enough
Send Adam packing to SMU what a pansy and a headache
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Looks to me like Coach has a good case,I would venture to say about 98% of fans are behind you Coach, Being a lifelong Lubbockite and being 60 years old and a lifelong fan of Tech all of this is very disturbing,seems like about the time we get somewhere it always goes to pot, Good luck,cOACH NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS..
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Leach is not stupid Tech. He is a freaking lawyer. He is surrounded by lawyers. And if the story is true and all facts have been leaked out, then you cannot withhold him from the bowl game.
Here is my pledge as a TTU alum: I will start donating a yearly amount each year of $1000 – $2000 per year….but only when Meyers is gone. I will not give you any more money if Leach is fired and will forfiet my season tickets, which is on the 50 yard line. I have had it with Gerald Meyers running the show. When he is gone, I will uphold my pledge. I fully support Texas Tech and expecially the football team. However I do not trust the leadership nor the decisions that are being made. I will live with this decision even if another person reading this disagrees. For that person, I am sorry if I have offended you.
Go away Meyers. And while you are at it, take James with you.
K
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With all of the former players backing up Leach as not being abusive, Leach is going to win this appeal. Craig James is going to regret filing this complaint. If he didn’t like the way his son was treated, he is going to be hurt more by all the current news depicting Adam as a slacker. Adam was cleared by the doctor 2 weeks ago, and apparently does have not any problems with the current practices in San Antonio.
Where is Ed Britton Sr to comment on Leach? Britton Jr was made to study on a desk on the field last spring in the snow. Did Britton Sr go to the administrators to complain? Apparently the student Britton got the message as he quietly contributed to this year’s team.
Did Gerald ever tell Bobby Knight to apologize for all the crap he pulled? Why is this different?
After Leach wins his appeal, Myers needs to go before next semester starts.
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There is talk that the University may fire Leach prior to Dec. 31 so that they will not have to pay a $800K bonus. If he is fired, I am DONE supporting Tech as LONG as Meyers is the AD!! This guilt before a fair trial does not look good on Tech. No more donations tickets etc.!
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This sounds like the University is trying to save $800,000
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finally, somebody w/the balls to report both sides of this story! ck out what texas monthly has to say.
http://www.texasmonthly.com/2010-01-01/webextra.php
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Hopefully, it’s Leach…
The paperwork says that he’s suing Tech for damages, though. Even if he wins the injunction, I don’t think he’ll be coaching at Tech for much longer.
Screw Craig James. He’s now given the death penalty to two teams.
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Lou Holtz got it right! Let Leach’s tenure speak for itself!!
Rally around your captain alumni!! We know why Tech has had a winning record every year for ten years…LEACH!!
James is used to having his food served on a silver platter! RC, you are correct, SMU can have him! Sacrifice one for the good of all Raiders! Cowboy up!!
WRECK ‘EM TECH!!!!!!!!!!!
PS IMPEACH MEYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Raiderfan……i agree…….Meyers must go. He is horrible as a AD. When you are AD of a university you look out for the the WHOLE athletic programs, not just basketball.
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It’s time for TOTAL housecleaning on Tech campus. Leach,Curry,Myers and Hance should be swept from the payroll.
Clif Burnett
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Well if Senior James would have spanked the little tike he might have learned that he needs to do what’s right. Babys need to know boundries. Not saying a beating, but just enough to get their attention. I see what Leach did as comperable. Too many people end up in jail when the law and boundries finally catch up with them.
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Local blogger tells truth about campus!
http://lubbockcountyregister.blogspot.com/2009/12/chaos-at-texas-tech.html
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Thank you Travis, Tech fans need to go to the texas monthly website mentioned by Travis above.
A few points on Leach 1) Has never been reprimanded by the NCAA or Tech in his 10 years, (i DO NOT COUNT THE BASHING OF OFFICIALS on the TEXAS game a couple of years back) 2) Continually has had the football team leading or in the top for football graduation rates 3) not only is the all time winningest coach, but also has won more bowl games then his predeccesors 4) has literally put Tech on a national map with many games on national TV
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dear cliff,
your “local blogger” is an idiot.
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Travis thank you for this report. This is the best I have seen and well documented by a person that has seen and heard from both sides.
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What’s the old saying……… looks like they threw the baby out with the wash! I know the admin meant well, but looks like a major screw-up here. Does anybody take the blame? All I can say is Craig James ought to be ashamed of himself – ashamed of his giant ego!!!
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I am supporting Leach!!!!!!! I believe he will prevail in this matter!
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As far as discipline, the little one never had any, if he did we would not be here. He probably was raised by a liberal person who believes in “Trickle Down Poverty, the haves and have nots.” Never had a Daddy around to make him disciplined enough to succeed on his own merits and to NOT be a slacker, heck anyone be a “father” but it takes someone special to be a “real” Dad, not a “Little League Dad.”
GO TECH
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Exellent find Travis. I am glad to finally see something that is not onesided.
Someone above (sorry for not remembering the name) stated that the true colors of James’ laziness has/will come through. I wish the kid well, but he has a long road ahead of him whether it is at SMU, Houston, or wherever. I am hoping the best for Leach and I am prepared to cheer for Tech Saturday night! Something tells me that James Sr bashing sign will not get any airtime seeing as ESPN is televising.
I see that the case is for a restraining order so Leach can coach Saturdya night; so does this mean as of right now James Jr. will suit up? If he is allowed to suit up or is still at practice and partaking in team/bowl events, mommy and daddy are really having to babysit. If the bond among players is anything like they preach, we had a blanket party in bootcamp for a whistleblower. This incident involved 6 people of 75, yet we all paid for it.
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If Tech is smart they should reinstate Leach before the hearing. Admit your mistake and fire the AD.
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* Leach is gone. Damage is irreparable. Probably was before the last contract.
* Gerald Myers is a laughingstock. The baseball team hasn’t been good in 5 years. The basketball team hasn’t been good in about 5 years (they’ll end up under 50% in conference play) and women’s hoops has gone from grand to pitiful.
* Good thing we can still rely on the supposed “academics” held so dear. Oh … can’t do that? TTU has the lowest SAT scores of any B12 school. Student body, not athletes. 2-3 others are close, but TTU’s lags.
* Well we have Lubbock!
Ugh.
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If James Junior does transfer to SMU, I can’t wait until September 4th when Tech plays SMU in Lubbock!
……..unless of course James Senior tries to fight that too. We wouldn’t want James Junior to see the infamous “shed”, start crying, play badly, and ruin any chance he has of an NFL career.
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Did anyone notice that the Leach affidavit stated the game will have been played on “January 2 2009″? That’s an error. Should be January 2, 2010. Does anyone know if this might affect the genuineness of his affidavit? Maybe its like a check which most mistakenly enter the wrong year.
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ALL the former players supporting Coach, discrepancys in the shed and concussion, Like Lou said coaches are not in the doctor business,no history of abuse, suspending a coach right before the bowl game when youve had over a week to investigate the situation, high profile player whos dad is a espn commentator, contract negotiations fiasco from a year ago, dont add up folks,not mentioning everyone inLubbock is riled up and can see through all of this,were probably going to lose Coach and there is no way another coach will take his place..
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AH HELL THIS A WHITE MAN AGAINST THE WRONG DOING OF ANOTHER WHITE MAN! A OUT OF PUBLIC SETTLEMENT WILL BE MADE; AND LECH WILL DO WHAT HE DOES; LUBBOCK IS ” FRIENDLY RACIST TOWN; BUT THEY ALWAYS FORGIVE THEIR OWN. IT THIS HAD BEEN AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN; WELL HELL..THE AFRICAN-AMERICANS NEVER STAND UP FOR THE JUSTICE HER IN LUBBOCK FOR THEIR ONW PPL. THANK-GOD IT IS A WHITE THING!
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GOOD HE HIS A WHITE MAN; THEY WILL FORGIVE EACH OTHER!
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Ian,
Check your meds, man. I think you may have run out.
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Give us back OUR coach! Step down Meyers.
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I support Leach. Fire Myers.
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I agree with what so many of you have said. After watching the news tonight it appears Meyers and the Tech president decided they didn’t want to part with the $800,000 they would owe Leach on January 1st. The whole thing stinks!!! We as Tech alumni (and money donors) need to start witholding our money and demand that Gerald Meyers go. I’ve never heard of a worse decision being made by an AD.
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http://firegeraldmeyers.ning.com/
Come Show your Support and add and Say whatever you want!
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If little Adam was being disciplined, then somewhere, über coaching disciplinarians Vince Lombardi and Bear Bryant are rolling around in their graves. They are ready to be our pirate’s guardian angels to see him through this.
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It also said November, which was crossed out and hand written to December!
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Might be a repeat, but go to YOU TUBE and type in “team leach.” wooohooo
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I meant to add in my earlier post…was it just me or when I read the first article about Leach’s suspension didn’t it sound like if Leach had written the apology letter he was told by Meyer’s to write, this whole suspension wouldn’t have happened? Pitiful abuse of power.
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Craig is upset because the kid’s not getting paid like the old man was by Sherwood Blount when he put the Pony Express on death row.
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The affidavit & the motion for temporary restraining order filed in Lubbock County District Court both reflect the wrong date for Alamo bowl!! (January 2, 2009 rather than 2010) Anyone knowledgeable about law? Please tell me there isn’t any way this could be thrown out & have to be resubmitted because of a technicality.
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Chancellor Hance and President Bailey, step up, think rationally and be the leaders here. You know Gerald didn’t get his Geritol fix and overreacted. Reinstate Coach Leach before the hearing tomorrow morning and suspend Gerald. You have overwhelming support for the coach and the risk and consequences of firing him are too great to overcome. Yes, Mr. James has an open platform called ESPN and there may be some repurcussions such as fewer televised Tech games and some occasional bad mouthing (Mark May). But the university, the athletic program, the students, the alumni , the Big XII and the good people of Lubbock, Texas deserve to see this football program remain intact. Bobby Knight for AD!!!!!!!!!
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It is time to FIRE KENT HANCE. This silly action by him and Bailey sounds so dumb. Gerald Myers must go. Quite frankly these idiots can all be locked up in a closet with James and they can begin to love each other like the wimpy little fat girls they are. Regents, step in. FIRE THEM ALL. Marsha Sharp for AD.
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Bobby Knight!!?? Having a basketball coach in charge of things got us into this in the first place! Good grief man!
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I suspect the outcome of this hearing will determine if Tech has the “cahones” to fire Leach. I would just like to know what REALLY happened. There is such a chasm between what James says and what Leach’s lawyer says. There HAS to be truth somewhere in the middle!
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In Coaches statement it says irreparable damage done to Tech, look on AOL under sports for Jay Mariotis article and it becomes clear just how out of hand this mess has become, Idont know who is in charge of Tech but this madness needs to be stopped and stopped Now, nobody in their right mind would want to play, coach, be recruited to Tech,.
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I am Kent Hance. I am the Chancellor. The buck stops with me. I negotiated the contract revisions with Coach Leach. I made sure Coach Bob Knight was glorified. I made sure Gerald Myers did not retire. I yell at Regents. I am making sure to save the University $800,000 and I am making sure the Regents give me more than half of that money as a bonus on my salary for this year. I am GOD. Do you people here me? I am the one person on this planet who defeated George W. Bush. Take that you swine that said I would not get 6 votes if Leach and I were on a ballot. Oh yeah, I have pictures of all of you because I am the Chancellor. I have spy cameras on EVERY REGENT. Yes, that is why I AM THE CHANCELLOR. LEACH may THINK he has this one but I also make it a point to BUY the JUDGE. YES, I am so smart I event got the Office of the Attorney General to step in. I WILL WIN. I will be VICTORIOUS. You devils will go down in flames!
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Reinstate Leach before the hearing. Do what is right, the truth will set you free. Guns Up Go Tech.
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Does anyone know if the hearing in the am is open to the public? I find it hard to believe that Tech is letting a 3rd string WR and his daddy cause this much chaos. Leach has 10 years at Tech and not a single complaint or run in with the NCAA and Myers jumps all over the 1st one….sounds like a set up to me.
After reading through the documents and seeing the suspension letter Coach Leach received, Myers has to go.
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Looks like common sense left Lubbock and egos took over…..
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Coach Leach, stand tall. Long live the Matadors!
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Time for Myers to hit the road………….Take Hance with him………..and drop James off at SMU on your way out of town.
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THE WAY THINGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN
Dec. 28, 2009 3:45 PM. Lubbock, Texas
The Texas Tech Athletic Department and Administration have issued a joint statement supporting and defending their head football coach Mike Leach against allegations of improper treatment of a player diagnosed with a concussion. Athletic Directory Gerald Myers said in a news conference that “Coach Leach has a system in place that requires injured players to be in the practice field area during team practices so that they can either do conditioning or strength drills that do not effect their injury or so that they are able to observe practice and continue to be part of team activities. At no time in his 10 years with the university has Coach Leach ever been suspected of or accused of mistreating or abusing a player, injured or healthy.” Chancellor Kent Hance issued a statement from his office saying, “This appears that it could be an attempt to damage the reputation of Coach Leach, the Red Raider Football Team and Texas Tech University, by a high profile parent of a player who has been unhappy with his role on the team this season . Texas Tech University will not be intimidated into making knee jerk decisions just because someone with a supposed high profile and a media pulpit makes unsubstantiated threats against a university employee, regardless of whether it is the head coach of the football team or a maintenance worker in one of our facilities.” The statement of support goes on to say that “Texas Tech University takes these accusations very seriously whether they are true or not. A thorough investigation will be launched and appropriate action against the accused or the accuser will be taken.
Maybe I’m just dreaming but this is how I wish it would have been handled.
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In response to Guns Up, who commented that UT et al with “throw this in our faces” I offer the following-
I am an Orange-blooded Longhorn. It kills me to see that frickin’ highlight from last year’s game, where we lost at the last second.
I like Mike Leach. He is entertaining, and a damn good coach. I am not at all excited about playing in Lubbock next year, because I believe there is a reasonable chance that you will beat us there. With Leach coaching, that is. There is nothing to “throw in your collective faces.” Aggies will, because, well, you expect them to behave like monkeys in a zoo, flinging their own crap at spectators.
Based on what I have read, your AD would have to try really hard to screw things up worse than he has already.
Having said that, and knowing that Leach has now filed suit, I think that there is a pretty good chance that Mike Leach will be at some other school come next football season. That will be bad for Tech, and bad for the Big 12. Unless we fire Greg Davis and hire Leach. That would be really good all around, I think. :D
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well said, jeesee26. I’ve already emailed to all people in charge (Hance, Myers, Bailey, etc.). Tech supporters need to email to let them know our stance on this, otherwise all this chat room is just a lip svc and an empty talk.
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what is this: “Your comment is awaiting moderation”. Am I being censored???
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Last yr with all the job interviewing etc I was ready to boot Leach and retool with a new head coach. I was 100% behind AD Myers and the time was good to fire Leach as he deserved it. But that was yesterday and now that is all history. Everybody kissed and made up. However, it is quite obvious AD Myers had alot of pent up hostility. One little crack in Leaches armour and now he is suspended.??? One would have thought they would have sided on side of the University’s image for now and had a thorough investigation given time alright, but to actually suspend Leach at this point is basically so ludicrous it sounds insane!!!!
Point is our image is so screwed right now somebody MUST take a fall for this. I feel after tomorrow Coach Leach will be coachin here as long as he wants and I am afraid AD Myers will be resigning if not abruptly then within 30 days or Tech will be short a bunch of cash to the Leach family. This is soooooooo whacko and insane! We should be kickin a## in 2010 in the Big 12 and in the top 5 nationally and all these personal egos have to get in the way! Lets do the house cleaning and it will start and probably end with Myers. It is time.
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Craig stated he submitted the complaint after prayer, I hope he is also praying for all the folks at SMU who he helped ruin along with the lives he is currently ruining at tech. What a D-bag….and his son is a T-baby !!
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Leach has been there for 10 years he has never won the big 12 even the big 12 south. never been to a bcs bowl. do any of you think that UT OU USC ALABAMA FLORIDA or even A&M would let a coach stay 10 years without winning anything?
The standards at tech apparently are lower than other universities.
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This whole situation has been completely mishandled by Myers. We are a laughingstock. All our Big 12 friends are having a good laugh. How would you feel if you were a Tech recruit right now? Craig James creates this debacle and then goes on tv professing his “love” for Texas Tech. Suck it, James.
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Just a bit of information for you all.
Adam James is not practicing for the Alamo Bowl. He has been in shorts and a tee shirt the last two days of practice in San Antonio. He spent most of his time Monday walking around the track and kicking a soccer ball. And today in the Alamodome, he was once again not in pads and not participating in team drills.
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CJ is a jerk. His sissy son couldn’t cut mustard! I don’t know why Leach didn’t just cut the kid when he knew that the guy was 10th on the depth chart. I really think that Mike has a big payday with his upcoming litigation of ESPN and TTU. Gun’s Up if Leach survives!
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Ricky Bobby
Any coach who can’t get to a BCS bowl at one of those university with their ready made recruiting system already in place should be fired after two years.
Mike Leach came to Texas Tech when it was the 6th or 7th choice in the Big 12 for players (not to mention their choices outside the Big 12) and made them a 2nd or 3rd choice. It has been said many many times that he does more with the recruits he gets than any coach in the country. Now he is getting those recruits on defense too. That has to scare the hell out of you.
You’re about as well thought out as your name sake.
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jeesee26 …
Unfortunately you ARE dreaming. That scenario would take maturity, thoughtfulness, leadership, integrity, loyalty and common sense. These are the voids that continue to be left by Hance, Bailey, Meyers, the Regents, and university general counsel.
The rest of us do believe that’s the way they should have been. And it’s never too late to do the right thing.
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There are posts elsewhere that say Meyers was left out of the loop on the suspension decision and was only told of it when he was asked to sign it. Does anyone know if this is true or is this just the damage control machine attempting to save the reputation of Gerald Meyers so they don’t have to fire him after Leach leaves?
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jeesee26
TCU seems to be doing pretty good on recruiting against all these schools why cant tech?
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I have to say, this whole story has me feeling sick. In 24 hours of looking at the facts nearly everyone has come to the conclusion that the administration acted irrationally in suspending Leach. If they ran a week long investigation, how could they not conclude what we have in a day? I also read that the investigation only involved questioning the James family and the trainers. What about the rest of the team? What about any other witnesses?
I am as proud an alum as they come, and a die hard football fan. Again, this whole thing has me sick. I BLEED RED AND BLACK and value my membership I earned in a special group by graduating from Tech. I want to always support the school first and foremost – over any one individual – but it is clear a mistake has been made. When will the administration realize that this is OUR school? Most school administrators are just tied by a paycheck, and would easily jump ship for a better paying job. Leach has endured enough public embarrassment. He has built-up the school and even the city is following.
Does anyone think it is a coincidence that the old “Tech Ghetto” is now all new developments with a nice hotel/convention center just as the team is coming close to being a perennial contender? The stadium is expanding; there is a new highway across town; there are plans to drastically increase enrollment. I used to be harsh on Leach and highly critical, but the bottom line is Tech will fall back into obscurity without our new-found leader. Please support Leach and appreciate how far he has brought us. I just hope he knows that the majority of real Red Raiders stand behind him and our school. Please reconcile your differences soon and find a way to act as adults and resolve this.
One last thing: As much as I want Leach to stay, he does not deserve to be treated this way publicly. We need to defend our guy. Remember how Leach defended Harrell when he went undrafted? Remember how Leach defended Crabtree when the media tried to twist his personality into being a primadonna/selfish? Leach fights for Tech and has brought us so far. Let’s show our appreciation and somehow resolve this. If he has to continue enduring this embarrassment every offseason, he should do what is best for himself/his family and leave. If we don’t appreciate what we have it will be the end of our success.
If we let Leach go, I don’t know how I will get over it. Let’s hope the administrators are listening to what we have to say. I will try my hardest to stop giving any contributions/buying apparrell/attending games until whoever is responsible is punished.
Wreck ‘em Tech! Guns UP this Saturday!
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Raider Lady
That was just my attempt to teach these small minded “intellectuals” how to think in the real world outside academia. You don’t cowtow to outsider who you perceive to be powerful. You defend your own until you know they are undefendable. You show the adversary that you are 5 moves ahead of him. Then you overpower them with the full strength of your own intelligence base.
Craig James thinks he is smart because he is on T V and can analyze a football game. He thinks that by using current hot button issues he can manipulate and decieve the public to get what he wants. Sounds like a familiar biblical character doesn’t it? Makes you wonder just for a second who he was praying to.
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Again Ricky Bobby. You rise to the intelligence level of your name sake.
TCU and Patterson do a very good job recruiting the top players who can compete IN THEIR MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE. Let TCU play Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Kansas, Texas A&M every year, some on the road, some at home. They are no better than an 7-6 maybe 8-5 team every year and that’s giving them plenty of credit.
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We may soon get the wish for TCU to be in the BIG 12 if Missouri goes to Big 10 as they may well do. Then TCU will be in the real Div – 1 world and get their lil horny horns oh so bruised!! Ha!
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Attention all Raider fans in support of Mike Leach. If you see this entire adam james fiasco for what it really is the please read on…
IF LEACH IS NOT: on the sideline for the game it is time to break out the tortillas in support of our head pirate. Each tortilla thrown on the field is one vote of confidence that coach Leach is supported and this entire incident is has been completely over blown.
IF LEACH IS: on the sideline then a packet of tortillas should be mailed to:
Texas Tech University
Attn: Gerald Myers, Kent Hance, Guy Bailey, Adam James
Box 43021
6th & Boston
Lubbock, TX 79409
AND if there are two packets of tortillas, which there should be, then mail it to:
ESPN
Attn: Craig James
ESPN Plaza
Bristol, CT 06010
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Apparently video evidence of Bobby Knight grasping a player by the throat at Indiana (amongst other transgressions) was no cause for concern for Tech, but a football coach having a malcontent slacker stay in a dark room is growing into a fireable offense? I guess Leach should have used a quick chokehold to treat the alleged mild concussion, since Meyers has apparently approved of that as a coaching technique.
I was a Tech alum, Coach Leach has made me a proud Tech alum. We should all be proud of his accomplishments on the field, the positive attention he has brought the school (Saturday night ABC games, 60 Minutes, NY Times etc…), the graduation rate (highest in the Big 12), general quirkiness that is refreshing change, and all without a sniff of impropriety with the NCAA. Suffice it to say, if the Tech Administration thinks they can do better than Leach, they are kidding themselves. This ham fisted witch hunt has once again made us a laughing stock on a national scale (just when people were forgetting the protracted contract negotiations and threats to fire Leach following the best season in Tech history). It’s getting less and less about will they fire Leach, and more about why would he want to stay with this kind of treatment.
If Tech fires Leach, I am not sure what they are going to do with all those nice, sure to be empty seats they just added to the stadium (much less how Tech will pay for them). I will vote with my dollars and I will not renew my season tickets, nor will I donate any money to the school.
Also, I would be interested in getting the e-mail addresses of the parties in charge if anyone can post that information (Hance, Meyers, University President, etc…).
Fight on Leach, and please don’t hold the rest of Red Raider Nation responsible for the actions of a few pinheads (albeit highly ranking pinheads).
Fight Raiders Fight
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Turn on your headlights tomorrow if you think this sucks, if you appreciate Coach Leach, and if you want folks to know that the administration can not pull stuff like this without having COMPELLI NG evidence of a REAL transgression.
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Bad choice, bad practice, bad timing!
Say you’re sorry and coach the game.
Don’t mess with concussion symptoms or play doctor. Send James and any other malcontents packing to any school dumb enough to want them. If they don’t want to do the work, don’t renew their scholarship but you got a little too cute this time.
Swallow your pride and say, “I messed up!” for the good of the team and the program. Surely if you are tough enough to make college athletes sit in snow storms, stand in darkened rooms, or work on muscle beach you can force those words out. A battle over concussions isn’t the one to pick with Myers.
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Good idea ,turnonyour headlights to show support for Coach ,maybe fox news 104.5 and kcbd and others will help put out the word..
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as a former player under spike and a current football coach at a d2 school it’s my opinion adam james is done in college football. i can’t imagine any coach being willing to take a risk on putting up with this drama…unless daddy makes a very big donation to the school. but he use to getting paid in college, not paying the college. coach dykes for ad.
youtube link for leach supporters http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEBaUw6WMJM
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Mike Leach is in hot water because he advocates a PLAYOFF and not a PAYOFF. I think the BCS has ruined college football and corrupted the game. I’m afraid that this is another case of the big money schools bullying the average schools because they have a little success from time to time. Pure politics and ABC is in on it, follow the BCS money!
Must Watch
OSU Gordon Gee
Coach Mangino
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I really hope fellow alums and financial supporters put pressure on the administration to oust Gerald Myers. Send letters in the mail, emails and take out ads in the AJ to get Myers the heck out of Tech.
When Leach is reinstated he should cut Clay Aiken, I mean Adam James. What a wimp and loser of a player. And poppie canceled calling the bowl game. The wimp gene is strong in the James family.
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HERE IS YOUR ELECTRICAL CLOSET …..
http://www.kcbd.com /global/Category.asp ?C=151146&clipId =&topVideoCatNo= 108431&topVideoC atNoB=108535&top VideoCatNoC=111448&a mp;topVideoCatNoD=10 8536&topVideoCat NoE=111449&autoS tart=true&topVid eoCatNo=default& clipId=4421239&f lvUri=&partnercl ipid
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Can someone please develop a website that people like my self can enter how much mine I spend on tt athletics. Make sure it has a running total so they can see the amount of money that will not be spent if leach is fired.
Maybe then they will understand!
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i dont know if this an encouraging sign or not for tech fans, but Mike Leach is back in San Antonio late tonight as is meeting with members of his staff at this moment……
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For Leach being such an educated man how could he make such an idiodic decision as this. Even if the kid was faking a concussion follow the procedures of letting the kid heal. I’ve never been a big Leach fan or Myers fan, but it doesn’t surprise me if Leach did this to get back at the kid. A couple games in which Tech has beaten their opponent by a huge margin even while leaving the starters in the game while it was obiviously out of control tells the character of Leach. One question is even if Leach wanted James close to the action how can a kid with a concussion know what is going on while in a equipment shed? It also seems that he has a problem with his players who obtain injuries while playing for him. This just adds to the fuel of me not liking Leach. Not just that but how bout Leach lying about job interviews at Washington and Miami a couple of years ago, and adding insult to injury he wasnt even on the list to interview, hes not even a coach that other teams want. I hope they send him packing for his negligence as a coach and a human.
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Turn onyour headlights tomorrow to support Coach
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Seems to me that Leach is making a lot of dumb moves.
If this James kid is not good enough to get on the field, then why spend time trying to think up a way to mess with him if he is not ready to practice?
Any coach with sense would try to prepare his team for the game and not go out of his way to play mind games with a marginal player.
And then why not write a letter to the parents?
If it is true that Leach could have coached the game if he had written a letter of explanation/apology and he refused to out of pride, then he is the one that let his fat little girlfriends swell his head.
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I’ll turn on my headlights tomorrow to show my support for The King Pirate–CAPTAIN MIKE LEACH!
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Fire the pirate, good riddance!
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I wish the University would pull its head out of its backside!
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Success still breeds contempt and hacks in my old hometown. Even if Leach wins the legal technicality he’s arguing in court, it is hard to imagine him wanting to stay and wait for the powers-that-be to ambush him again. I am excluding Myers from the list of usual suspects because he (not the $100 coiffes above him) spent decades pulling the plow to get Tech athletics where it is. He has earned the benefit of a doubt. But some of those silk purse wannabes trying to divvy up the success of others have to be forced to explain themselves — under questioning — in the light day. Enough of you. Lubbock and Texas Tech are not your private kingdom.
Now for Daddy James and his good ol’ boys at ESPN: you are busted. That ongoing, flip-flopping commentary the past two days was not a sufficient smoke screen for James or the fact that you have libeled Mike Leach. Lou Holtz actually said that he hoped Leach was guilty because (follow carefully) if he’s not, he will never be able to live down the allegations. What? Coach, did you actually win a national championship with that sort of pre-game gibberish? It made Mark May’s widely-conflicting remarks sound only 75 percent gutless. And it gets better, or more just. When this is all over, you and the other sports “journalists” and management at ESPN are going to be neck deep trying to explain why James was or wasn’t fired for his role in this mess.
The players and coaches have to know that the rest of us have their back and will see this matter to an honest conclusion. Go win. Everyone else, give them a reason to believe in their school. This is the 21st Century — time to demand accountability for Lubbock and Texas Tech. The spirit of Buddy Holly and countless other victims of Lubbock’s small town despots are counting on you.
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Well said,horny toad..
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Espn are idiots just watch the stupid questions they asked Coaches lawyer, they will definately be sued and need to be and the James, also for deframation of character,mental anguish, hell we all need to sue their butts plus the ad at Tech
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You bunch of west Texas backwater hicks. It’s no wonder that the rest of the country looks down at you. Regardless of his record or whether James is whiny it’s just not defensible. I feel sorry for the lawyer that has to defend this nonsense. I don’t know that Leach needs to be fired but he should at least be out of coaching the bowl game.
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Leach has been a social thorn for a long time, and to those who have more than football in their mind for higher education, it’s a wonder he’s been kept on . . . if his lawyer’s any example, here we go again. What someone wrote is perfect for this situation now, he should have learned not to make a fool of his boss, and moved on last spring.
Texas Monthly had it right; abusing players is simply not done now, nor abusing anyone. But, Leach has been that type of person since he arrived in Lubbock, and before. He’s a loose cannon that perhaps should be retired to the “old arms” lot.
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Very interesting and revealing article from CBS
http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/12720824/emails-dispute-james-claims-of-mistreatment
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Leach is a jerk and should be terminated immediately.
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Bottom line is this:
This problem was so minor that an apology was going to make it all go away.
Leach’s suspension is NOT for sending baby James to the shed. The suspension is for failing to apologize.
I am DISGUSTED with Texas Tech’s administration. ONLY Gerald Myer’s disdain for coach could bring such a small pot of water to such a rolling boil.
I am also DISGUSTED with false (overblown) allegations. Coach Leach, like the Duke lacrosse players will have a life-long tattoo stemming from this event — even if he is found without fault.
Baby James will move on and play for another school. Then, one day………..he will get the crap beat out of him when he runs across a good ol’ west Texas boy with a few too many beers in his belly. This one (wham) is for Coach. This one (bam) is for all the players you bailed on. And these (wham, bam, wham) are for us fans, you p_ssy!
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Emails in support of Leach from Graham Harrell, current coaches and other players stating Adam James lack of work ethic, laziness, etc. From CBS Sports.
http://dennis-dodd.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270202/19238949
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ALL LEACH SUPPORTERS! Okay, here is your chance to show your TRUE support – flood the court house lawn at 10:00am this morning while the injunction hearing is in progress. I will be there – we will see how many TRUE supporters Coach Leach really has! Email, text, call your friends and bring coffee, hot chocolate and signs if you wish! Let’s really show our support!
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ALL LEACH SUPPORTERS! Okay, here is your chance to show your TRUE support – flood the court house lawn at 10:00am this morning while the injunction hearing is in progress. I will be there – we will see how many TRUE supporters Coach Leach really has! Email, text, call your friends and bring coffee, hot chocolate and signs if you wish! Let’s really show our support!
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ALL LEACH SUPPORTERS!! Okay, here is your chance to show your TRUE support – flood the court house lawn at 10:00am this morning while the injunction hearing is in progress. I will be there – we will see how many TRUE supporters Coach Leach really has! Email, text, call your friends and bring coffee, hot chocolate and signs if you wish! Let’s really show our support!
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I am an A&M grad. I too am shocked at what Tech is doing to Coach Leach. Football is a brutal sport. Adam James is a Daddy’s boy. Adam, be a man. You can’t hide behind your Daddy’s fame and fortune forever.
If I were June Jones at SMU I wouldn’t even let Adam James walk-on my football team.
Adam, why don’t you look at a nice FCS school to attend, like West Texas A&M, or Sam Houston. That way it won’t be so hard on you.
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I have an active duty military son the same age as the young man involved. He has recieved some questionable treatment recently that definitely endangered his health.
I wonder, should I be calling his cadre and pitch a hissy fit?
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http://dennis-dodd.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270202/19238949
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I am just curious. Has even ONE person come out publicly in support of Adam James?
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I love “NonTexan’s” comment about hicks. If Texas is so bad why is it as published in USA Today, the #1 state where people are moving. I hope you don’t decide to move here ;-)
Tech Alum
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Concussions- concussions – CONCUSSIONS.
Have they become that big a deal in one season’s time??
IF they are, then how come Mack Brown at Texas got to crow about the concussion-making hit his player did on Tech – the next day to the media. AND the media didn’t shriek in shock about it.
Not everybody, everywhere is apparently handling concussions the same way.
So cut Coach Leach some slack already!
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I’ll bet the James family is gone from Tech ASAP and Myers will override Leach and sign the wavier to let Adam transfer. There is no way he will play another down in Lubbock. I do find it kind of funny how Craig and Adam tried to bribe there way into Potts graces by inviting him out the the ranch and other BS. It’s almost criminal what the James gang has done.
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mimi04 said:
I am just curious. Has even ONE person come out publicly in support of Adam James?
His “Dad”.
http://espn.go.com/blog/sportscenter/post/_/id/16259/craig-james-on-texas-tech-investigation
So if “Dad” wants to “…help protect Adam from further things that could go against him…”
and “…was our number on issue..” will he let Cry Baby James return to a game where another
possible more severe concussion is possible?
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I meant to erase the “bend over” when I added “bow down.” for craig james. can you modify it for me? If it’s too harsh?
Thanks,
Chip Johnson
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I like Mike Leach! His demeanor and coaching tactics are good for the University.
I do not know all the facts; that said, even if Leach was correct with everything he did, he should have seen the situation in the light of what this issue was doing to the University, the team, recruiting, etc.
He should have met with the parents and explained his side of the issue.
Sometimes you have to take one step back before you move forward.
I think Leach is too full of himself to care about the harm he is doing to the University. It’s his way and be dammed with the consequences to others.
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Craig James – 2, Southwest Conference – 0. If I’m UT, A&M, Arkansas, Baylor, TCU, UH, I’m really worried right now. It only took SMU 25 years to recover from the damage James did when he was there. I wonder how long it will take Tech to recover from this.
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Tech has a very good and well liked football coach, and the so called AD cannot stand it. I feel that Myers should go and keep Leach. Myers was never a decent basketball coach and certainly is not woth his salt as the AD. The cry baby player should be allowed to go somewhere else, and ESPN should replace his dad. This kind of attention is not good for Texas Tech or the football program.
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The way Craig James talks about this, you’d think Leach beat his kid with a baseball bat. How in hell did this spoiled brat loser make it on the Tech football team to begin with?!
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Sports Nympho has the right idea! Time to protest!
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Send comments to ESPN.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?id=2826900
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Well put fireeng7 & jeesee26!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Just looked up Judge Sowder…A&M grad…you gotta be kidding…
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For those of you who think TTU AD Gerald Meyers should be tossed, not Leach.
SIGN THE PETITION
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/geraldmeyersresignation/
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I’m not Mike Leach, but if I’m asked to write an appology letter for something I don’t feel was wrong, I’m not going to do it either! The world of over-done political correctness and a couple of hiney-whinies trying to force everyone else’s hand has reached the ranks of college football, and not just at Tech. When the players start to tell their coaches how to coach, and the coach has to kiss their a$$ because they might get their little feelings hurt, then what’s the point? Whoever gave Adam James the concussion in practive better watch out. His daddy might come after you next! Craig James doesn’t want his son humiliated…Great job, dad…I’d say you did it over the top! No college coach in his right mind would want Jr. and Daddy anywhere near their football field. If Mike Leach is fired or leaves over this, I will not step foot inside the Jones again until Gerald Meyers is gone. If Mike Leach moves on, it will be just as much fun to watch as it has been at Tech! I just hope that doesn’t happen!! Any commentary that Craig James is on, I won’t watch it.
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I just heard Leach was fired. No one needs to go to the game. The players need to lay down on the field. The boosters need to keep their money. All alumni and students need to send letters and emails to the idiots in the big offices telling them how stupid they are. HIT THEM WHERE IT HURTS! In the pocket book.
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How sad that Tech has chosen to fire the face of the Football Program, without what seems to be due process. Texas Tech version of legal process.. Guilty, and bury the truth! I for one would have LOVED to hear what the judge would have decided, as well as get more ahold of more of the truth. I know that truth is half way between Leach and the James family, but how will we find out the reality now? Tech will try to bury it, Leach will make sure his side gets out, so will the James family.. and in the end, Texas Tech football will suffer most, even more than the people who’s reps this all attacks. I will be interested in seeing the fiscal numbers as to the number of season tickets cancelled, revenue lost, and much more. Good luck Red Raiders.. YOU I am behind. Screw the half wit admin.
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Good riddanceCollege football doesn’t need people like
Leech. Unfortunately, it is stuck with the fans like those on this post. I hope MSU crushes them.
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Can we find a dark room for you, Joel? It’s a sad, sad day for everybody involved, so keep those kind of comments to yourself. I listened to “Mike and Mike” on ESPN radio this morning. They read e-mails that were statements supposedly from players supporting James. I don’t know who these players were…probably third string just like James… Regardless,
you have an ALLEGED mistreatment of a player. Was he hurt? No. Was he in further danger of being hurt? No. A little humiliated? Maybe. A little humility never hurt anyone. Where is the due process for Mike Leach? He gets suspended over “allegagtions”, doesn’t get his day in court to stop the suspension. The administration alleges “insubordination”. Refusing to appologize for something you don’t feel was wrong is insubordination? Refusing to sign a letter regarding treatment of your players is insubordination? How do you go ten years without a single complaint and then be presented with such a letter? Sounds like the Administration wants a “Yes Man” not a Coach, and Mike Leach is nobody’s “Yes Man”. Then how convenient is it that the player who brings up the allegations of mistreatment has a daddy connected to ESPN, and Daddy is all over the place with his interviews about his kid, and pretty much every ESPN commentary is one-sided (of course they are, they have to work with Dad!) This sucks on so many levels!
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If you like your news rapped, here’s a great youtube video rapping out the controversy between the James Family and Leach. Let’s stick together Raider Nation.
Cleaning Out My Closett
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Looks to me like Coach has a good case,I would venture to say about 98% of fans are behind you Coach, Being a lifelong Lubbockite and being 60 years old and a lifelong fan of Tech all of this is very disturbing,seems like about the time we get somewhere it always goes to pot,
Good luck
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