Remember the Raiders; Tech outlasts Spartans

By Adam Zuvanich on January 3rd, 2010 View Comments Printer-Friendly

SAN ANTONIO – Steven Sheffield took the field on Oct. 3 and helped Texas Tech turn its season around, leading the Red Raiders to three straight victories in place of injured quarterback Taylor Potts.

The former walk-on turned a similar trick at the Alamo Bowl on Saturday night, leading the Red Raiders to a win they won’t soon forget.

Texas Tech's Daniel Howard blocks a field goal attempt by Michigan State's Brett Swenson during the Valero Alamo Bowl on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (Zach Long/Avalanche-Journal)

Texas Tech's Jamar Wall leaps over Michigan State's Keith Nichol after intercepting a pass during the Valero Alamo Bowl on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (Zach Long/Avalanche-Journal)

Texas Tech's Detron Lewis is tackled by Michigan State's Jeremy Ware after a long gain during the Valero Alamo Bowl on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (Zach Long/Avalanche-Journal)

Sheffield, who hadn’t played since a loss at Oklahoma State on Nov. 14, entered the game after Michigan State took a four-point lead with about eight minutes remaining. He promptly engineered a 77-yard scoring drive that he capped with a go-ahead touchdown pass to Detron Lewis, and Tech continued to dominate the final minutes in a 41-31 victory before 64,757 fans at the Alamodome.

“I’ve been excited to redeem myself since Oklahoma State, when I went in and played a horrible game,” said Sheffield, who finished 9-of-11 passing for 88 yards and the score. “My foot’s been getting better and better, and excited is the best word to (describe it). I’ve wanted to be on the field since day one. … In my mind, I wanted to start and I wanted to play every down. I was just excited to go in.”

Potts, who passed for two touchdowns and an Alamo Bowl-record 372 yards to earn offensive most valuable player honors, threw an interception early in the fourth quarter that led to a Brett Swenson field goal that gave Michigan State a 31-27 lead. But that’s not why he came out of the game.

He said he took a hit that caused him to lose vision in one of his eyes, so the Tech coaches deemed him unfit to return to the field. Potts said he would have preferred to finish the game, but he also said he was confident Sheffield would come through.

So was Lincoln Riley, Tech’s inside receivers coach who served as acting offensive coordinator.

“He’s got the ice water in his veins,” said Riley, who also praised Potts’ performance. “He’s come through for us all year, and I knew putting him in in a pressure situation, I knew he would get it done.”

Shortly after the go-ahead score, Tech safety Franklin Mitchem intercepted Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins at the Spartans’ 35-yard line. Baron Batch sealed the win with his second TD run a few minutes later, after Sheffield kept the short drive alive with a pair of fourth-down completions.

The result was Tech’s third consecutive nine-win season and a satisfying end to a tumultuous week. Longtime head coach Mike Leach was fired by the university only three days earlier, but defensive coordinator-turned-interim head coach Ruffin McNeill rallied the Red Raiders and helped them overcome a feisty Michigan State team that was missing 14 players who were suspended or dismissed in the wake of a campus dormitory fight on Nov. 22.

“This was the most challenging week I’ve had in my 29 years of coaching. It was a fun challenge, though,” said McNeill, who got endorsements from several Tech players to become the team’s permanent head coach. “This was the most rewarding night of my coaching career.”

Tech (9-4) raced out to a 10-point lead and never trailed in the first half, but the back-and-forth game was close throughout. Michigan State (6-7) took its first lead less than three minutes into the third quarter, when Keith Nichol’s 7-yard run capped a short drive set up by Eric Stephens’ fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half, and the lead changed hands three more times.

The Red Raiders gained 579 total yards – their most in a bowl game since the 1995 Copper Bowl – and were just as effective running the ball as throwing it. Batch rushed for 100 yards on 22 carries and added 85 yards on six receptions.

Lewis finished with 114 receiving yards and the winning score on 10 catches, Lyle Leong added a TD reception and kept the go-ahead drive alive with a 43-yard grab on third-and-12, and Austin Zouzalik hauled in a 50-yard flea flicker from Potts to set up a second-quarter score.

The Spartans had their moments on offense, too. Freshman Edwin Baker rushed for 97 yards and a long touchdown, and versatile receiver Keshawn Martin had a TD reception and also threw a scoring pass out of the wildcat formation, immediately after Swenson threw for a 19-yard completion on a fake field goal.

Blair White finished with 114 yards and a TD receiving for the Spartans, and Cousins threw for 220 yards and a score.

“We tried to do what we could do out there, and I think it was an exciting game if you watched it,” said Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, whose team lost its fourth consecutive bowl game. “But it’s tough when you come up short. It’s not easy.”

Despite allowing 396 total yards, two long scores and 149 kickoff-return yards by Martin, Tech’s defense and special teams stiffened when they had to. Daniel Howard blocked a second-quarter field-goal attempt that would have tied the game, and after the Raiders took the lead, they didn’t allow another first down.

“They threw a lot of new things at us, and I think we as a secondary adjusted well,” said Tech cornerback Jamar Wall, who had six tackles, two pass breakups and an interception en route to defensive MVP honors. “They got us on a few plays here and there, but our overall coverage was acceptable.”

It all added up to gratifying and memorable win for the Red Raiders, who easily could have lost focus with all the turmoil surrounding Leach’s dismissal. But instead of cracking under the spotlight or splintering as a team, they stuck together and rallied around McNeill and each other.

Batch called it an “awesome” way to end an up-and-down week and season, and he wasn’t the only Tech player who felt that way.

“This whole week’s been crazy, but the type of team we have, we never gave up, never lost focus,” Potts said. “We never thought about losing. We never thought, ‘It doesn’t matter if we lose. Nobody will blame us because of what we’ve been through.’

“All we wanted to do was win, and we came out here and did it.”

To comment on this story:
adam.zuvanich@lubbockonline.com l 766-8733
courtney.linehan@lubbockonline.com l 766-8735

  • He Hate Me

    That was leachs team. Notice a6-6 team took tech to task and the d sucked

    Report this comment

  • Randy

    The wide receiver, son of ESPN analyst Craig James, got a hostile reception all night from the crowd, who booed the sophomore so loud that it drowned out the marching band at halftime.

    Report this comment

  • Casey

    But a win isn’t going to stop people from causing a mutiny against the Tech administration!

    Report this comment

  • #1_TTU_fan

    Scheffield saved this game not Ruf!!! Just because we won, do not think the Pirate Nation is over!! The comments Ruf made after the game, telling parents he would take care of there kids (like Coach Leach Didnt) and also saying Coach Leach was his best friend!!! This is the biggest butt kissing I have ever heard.

    This was Coach Leach’s offense and we won, Ruffs Defense was lacking as usual!!

    Whos going to mastermind the offense’s game once they wear Coach Leach’s playbook out??

    We won this Battle against a fair 6-6 opponent, But we will lose the WAR!!!

    Report this comment

  • Love the Pirates

    Was Adam James auditioning for a reality TV show “Whose Your Loser” or “Crying to Daddy”?

    Report this comment

  • http://redraider.com garyount

    No matter how youfeel inthe matter,got to be proud of the team that played tonight really proud of these young men.

    Report this comment

  • #1_TTU_fan

    I was on Dallas ESPN Alamo Bowl chat site, they were censoring most comments!!!!
    Please read this article!!! And keep pressing for the Firing of Craig James

    http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/jan/02/david-moulton-espn-leaving-itself-open-criticism-m/

    ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

    Report this comment

  • #1_TTU_fan

    @gary, I am Very Proud!!! These guys came together and overcame the drama…..

    But con the flip side of this coin, we can not forget!!

    Report this comment

  • Love the Pirates

    And was that not the worst anouncing ever for a bowl game? I understand sending out newbies to anounce some unranked team games but these two guys were clowns. How many times did Bob Davey mis-pronounce Jamar Wall’s name? It was not the Jamar he could not get right! It was Wall he had trouble with.

    Report this comment

  • Emilio

    Was it me or did the ESPN so-called announcers just say all the negative things about Leach and not ONE negative thing about the James family, that was BS and they kept saying what a good call by mcneil to put in Sticks,from what I saw on tv it was riley who put in sticks, Ruffin looked lost half of the time. I can’t stand that short punk Mike Patrick, just like the houston game he ALWAYS says negative stuff about tech.

    Report this comment

  • http://redraider.com Eric

    I got so freakin tired of the graphics, timetables, camera shots of Adam James and talk of Leach. Focus on the kids and coaches who are playing the game, not the media circus that ESPN has created.

    Great win by the Red Raiders. Should make the off season a little easier to deal with.

    Now let’s go wrap up our recruits!!!

    Report this comment

  • Taylor

    I am a state fan and I honestly thought that was the worst announcing ever. But really you couldn’t hand pick 2 more biased announcers than that. They were really sucking off ruff. All and all though a great game

    Report this comment

  • greensense

    Hance was an incompetent politician now proving himself as an incompetent chancelor and incompetent people tend to surround themselves with even more incompetents like Myers and Bailey and (Sowell just has way more money than he has sense). James a product of SMU during the heyday of corruption when you actually could buy a spot on the team which invoked the death penalty on their program. This all stinks but there are skeletons KEEP UP the PRESSURE to rehire Leach it will be much easier to replace the whole administrative staff.

    Report this comment

  • mytquinn

    No kidding about the announcers! One actually said near the end of the game that a win would help Adam James… HA! He didn’t play, so do they think that one win will make people forget about his attention grubbing father??? I am sick of seeing his face and his surfer hairdo.

    Report this comment

  • JHMc

    ESPN did a miserable job, as bad as any I have ever witnessed. They beat the Leach thing to death and slanted the whole show in James’ favor. I was disgusted by it all.

    Report this comment

  • http://redraider.com garyount

    I was really looking forward to seeing the game but Bob Davies continued his bs and thats mild finally had to listen to it on radio, proud of these young men but ifanyone thinks it is over , its not, why did they release these statements today? they knew they would get maximum national exposure and they also knew that espn was going to continually talk about itand runtheir stupid ticker underneath, he was in a shed locked up with no windows over and over again,, why to spin the truth , by releasing these statements or should I say bs, sorry cant use foul language,today, why couldnt they wait until tomorrow and show some respect for the fans and these stressed out players,, what does that tell you?

    Report this comment

  • future redraider

    everyone wants leach back, but i don’t think he’s going to come back. the only way leach can come back if the admin gets replaced. on the plus side lincoln riley did a great job calling plays for his first time.

    Report this comment

  • HH

    did you notice that the espn people anointed the new coach of TT like they were the power to do that

    Report this comment

  • mytquinn

    Yes, they kept talking about this being Ruff’s first “interview”. I am sick of both the mainstream media and sports media both. Guess they have to say something, but these two guys were so ridiculous. I have already boycotted ESPN website so they don’t get any “hits” on their site from me to lure more advertisers. I only watched the game to try and catch a glimpse of the Goin Band, or I would have listened on the radio instead.

    Report this comment

  • HH

    Art Briles has been contacted by TT I know that is fact and he is considering it so TT must be considering the buy out

    Report this comment

  • http://redraider.com garyount

    I seriosly doubt if they will put him incharge ,because he is a friend of leach and riley made it known about Adam,dont know who the next coach will be and I really dont care because the Captain brought thisteam up from nothing and was Rail roaded ,sure the players win games but here in west texas and lubbock its not easy to get good players, so until they get rid of the 3 stooges and the cockroaches and thats what they are I will not support any coachother than Leach, period and i really dont give a damn what you have to say or think..

    Report this comment

  • Jim McComb

    I’m tired of all you negative people!!!!!! Its not about the administration,Mike Leach,you the fan or Rufin McNeil.It’s about the players and how they feel and react!So, grow up!!!!

    Report this comment

  • Watchdog113

    They also said Junior was supporting his team. I never say him jump or congratulate a player. Only adjust his mis-aligned headband and look pretty for the camera. Was that an ESPN interview? I hope the coaches whoever kick him off the team now. He’s a cancer and Leach should have done that earlier.

    Report this comment

  • Jim McComb

    Watchdog;
    Get a life!!!!!!!!

    Report this comment

  • Watchdog113

    Leach built this team. He also built the coaches. He built the system. He’s the architect. The mastermind. The proteges may work, and may be better than the master, but Leach will always be the pirate. Good luck LEACH and THANKS!

    Hope to see you in the NFL where there is only one boss and you can bring your former players together.

    Report this comment

  • 76Raider

    Good men have stood by and watched as others have been taken advantage of at TTU, and in this country, and I don’t think that crap will fly any more. Craigie James & gang at ESPPN had no business going after coach Leach. If we let this go unchallenged ESPPN will be running all college sports teams and coaches.

    Report this comment

  • http://sbcglobal Lance Owens

    The ESPN coverage was the worst example of unbiased coverage of a game I have ever seen. They couldn’t even get the names of our players right most of the time. They were more interested in defending their employee than actually covering the game. It was pathetic!!!!! They covered the game like they were talking to a buch of amatuers who have never watched a Raider game. They were treating us like a bunch of chumps and thats just degrading.

    Report this comment

  • Wascally Wabbit

    This is hilarious. Raidernation calling for the firing of Craig James…….and, even better, you take yourselves seriously. Oh, and the “I’ll never go to another Raider game” statement. Way to go, hate the admin so screw the team and the players. Do you think anyone outside of Lubbock gives a rats backside about this whole issue. Leach is a jerk and everybody knows it. Go ahead and sell your souls for a few football victories. Like Tech has any chance of ever winning anything that really matters. Maybe if the Big 12 hadn’t had to take you like UT and A&M’s baby sister, you could be dominating the Mountain West. Ooop, no, TCU would whip you like an ugly stepchild too.

    Report this comment

  • Emilio

    I HEARD THAT!!!!!!!!

    Report this comment

  • Emilio

    I was talking about the Lance owens Post not that stupid one of the stupid name that probably Craig James Calls his son WASCALLY WABBIT What a TOOL!!!

    Report this comment

  • Wascally Wabbit

    Speaking of tools, you all need to get Leach’s out of your mouths.

    Report this comment

  • Emilio

    That dont make no sense just like your adam james like screen name

    Report this comment

  • Wascally Wabbit

    You now make perfect sense, Emilio. The whole team should be disbanded in protest of what they’ve done to poor old Coach Leach. No sense in even suiting up next season, no one can possible replace him.

    Report this comment

  • http://redraider.com garyount

    IGNORE HIM EMILIO

    Report this comment

  • Wascally Wabbit

    Emilio said, “That dont make no sense just like your adam james like screen name”

    Actually it should read, “That doesn’t make any sense and neither does your screen name which reminds me of Adam James.”

    Your welcome.

    Report this comment

  • Emilio

    Why dont you get your facts straight I commented on the ESPN announcers calling a BAD game, let me guess you are one of those annoying Longhorror fans who like to go on Tech websites and talk smack.

    Report this comment

  • Emilio

    Ohhhhhhh you got me there!!!!!

    Report this comment

  • Wascally Wabbit

    Emilio, I;m sorry for upsetting you. Congrats on the Tech win tonight.

    I’ve got to go to bed now…. Mama James is calling me.

    Report this comment

  • Techsan

    How did you like this comment from Bob Davie who got Fired at Notre Dame
    “As players and coaches know you eventually have to conform” What a load of crap.

    Davie and Patrick kept saying that Leach made him practice with a concussion. HE NEVER MADE HIM practice with a concussion!!!! They kept saying it and saying it

    I can’t believe Ruffin Said “we will take care of your kids” what a slap in the face…

    IT was Lincoln Riley who said Sticks was going in. I thought they should of let Potts take the last snap. Potts played a great game. And the only reason they switched players was to pick up the tempo. MSU was starting to sit back on the routes and Lincoln saw it, so he made the change. Davie and Patrick were clueless to this.

    It was strange not seeing Leach on the side line. If he had been there I believe we beat MSU 65-21.
    But I was glad for the players, the coaching staff and Tech Fans that we won.

    I still believe Leach should be reinstated.

    Report this comment

  • Emilio

    Me TOO I have to go to my shed now let me make sure I have everything, Cell Phone. CHECK, stupid bandana. CHECK. daddy’s number on speed dial. CHECK.

    Report this comment

  • Wascally Wabbit

    Your a good man, Emilio. Best wishes for a happy, safe and prosperous new year.

    Report this comment

  • Emilio

    You Too. I am Out!!! LATER

    Report this comment

  • getalife

    Coach Leach is gone-accept it. Let’s get on with the firng of the AD.

    Tech has built an identity under Leach with the “air raid” and gambler mentality. The current coaching staff held true to that identity tonight. It is imperative Tech keep such identity if they want to compete in recruiting and on the field. Lose our identity and retreat to mediocrity. Let’s learn from history and models of success.

    Pelini coaches NU to an Alamo Bowl victory over Michigan State as interim coach, but isn’t granted the HC job. NU football heads south because they chose change over continuity.

    Michigan coach (forget his name) retires. Michigan chooses change over continuity and program dips south. Michigan had a history of hiring from within and the program won until they chose change.

    KSU coach (Snyder) retires. KSU chooses change over continuity and program goes south.

    Wisconsin coach (Alvarez) retires. Wisconsin hires from within and maintains continuity. The program continues to win.

    Utah loses Urben Meyer, hires from within and maintains continuity. The program continues to win.

    Boise State loses Dan Hawkins, hires from within and maintains continuity. The program continues to win.

    TCU loses Dennis Franchoine, hires from within and maintains continuity. The prgram continues to win.

    Enough said!!!!!!!!

    Report this comment

  • TacomaRaider

    “Wascally Wabbit” – What is your allegence besides Looney Tunes….which you are…looser. Are you actually a Craig James supporter? Is Emilio is your yardman who echos your opinions? Go to SMU? If you haven’t noticed, the Tech/Leach story has been ESPN’s top story for days on end, so I suppose a few people “give a rats backside” about the issue, genius. Don’t come here and spew such ignorance, please. Must be from DFW area…

    Report this comment

  • dave

    sheffield is a QB genius

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  • The Real Texas Fan

    I missed the game but the way everyone is talking in here it seems more like a soap opera than a football game. Pay attention to the game and the boys that play it not the media circus around it because that’s not Red Raider football.

    Leach is gone there is no going back now. What’s done is done and of you are a true Red Raider fan you will support your boys playing the game not putting them down like we did to Potts earlier in the season. Texas Tech needs better fans there I said it.

    Report this comment

  • Wascally Wabbit

    So tell me Jared, exactly who is in charge?

    And that is MR. Fagbutt if you please.

    Report this comment

  • Wascally Wabbit

    TacomaRaider, as far as my allegiance, I pledge that only to the United States of America.

    If I have offended you, then I apologize. My only point is that is seems most of the vocal Tech fans seem to show more allegiance to Coach Leach than to the school or team. If I’m not mistaken, and I readily admit that I could be, I believe your Coach Leach was prepared to jump ship (pirate reference, get it) to Washington if the money had been right. Hmmm… selling yourself for money. Well we won’t even get into the whole “whor*” reference here.

    Report this comment

  • http://redraider.com garyount

    FIRE CRAIG JAMES TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

    Report this comment

  • ttrr

    adam, who really wrote this from you. do you get your mother to help as you chew trident layers?

    Report this comment

  • Wascally Wabbit

    Tacoma??? Raider???? Hey, wait a minute!!!! Are you part of this whole conspiracy?

    Report this comment

  • Wascally Wabbit

    Trident layers. Is that some sort of West Texas hen?

    Report this comment

  • Wascally Wabbit

    Question: Are the garage and media room the same facilities that Taylor Potts was placed in earlier this year to mend from his concussion?

    Report this comment

  • ttrr

    trident layers is a new gum from trident. it has some stupid comm that don williams would to. just go to youtube check out trident layers

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  • TT admin=crap!!

    I agree that espn sucked tonite! Those 2 announcers were so biased toward the james’s that it made me sick! ….and that ticker at the bottom of the screen WTF!! It must be that craig james has dirt dugged up on espn for them to be so freaking biased about this whole issue…i totally agree that adam is a cancer and should be cut loose! It was extremely weird not seeing Leach on the sideline with his tiny play sheet, I am still so torn about his firing… Long live the Pirate man!!!

    Report this comment

  • Watchdog113

    That was nothing compared to Sports Center. Screwed everyones (players) names (even James) and continued the three stooges spin/ESPN lies.

    Report this comment

  • ttrr

    tHEY WERE TO BUSY CHEWING TRIDENT LAYER GUM PLUS ESPN TOLD THEM TO BE NICE

    Report this comment

  • ttrr

    QUESTION — DOES ANYONE THINK LEACH WILL COACH D1 AGAIN AND WILL DO BETTER THERE THAN HERE.

    PUT ME DOWN FOR AMEN

    Report this comment

  • ttrr

    DID ANYONE NOTICE THE FIRST INTERCEPTION MADE FOR TT SOMEONE NAME HALL. I SHORD I HEARD HALL SEVERAL TIMES. ONLY ONE OF MANY MISSUPS

    Report this comment

  • http://redraider.com garyount

    NEED TO LOOK INTO HOW MANY GAMES THAT ESPN TELEVISED BEFORE ADAM WAS GIVEN A SCHOLARSHIP IN FOOTBALL AFTER HE WAS KICKED OFF THE BASEBALL TEAM FOR POOR ATTITUDE?? AND HOW MANY TIMES THAT ESPN TELEVISED TECHS GAMES AFTER HE WAS ON THE TECH FOOTBALL TEAM??

    Report this comment

  • http://redraider.com garyount

    HE MIGHT BUT I DOUBT IT NOT UNTILALL THIS IS SETTLED HE WILL DO WELL IN WHATEVER THE CAPTAINDOES ..

    Report this comment

  • ttrr

    GARYOUNT— YOU GOT SOMETHING THERE, ONCE A BAD SEED, ALWAYS A BAD SEED. MAYBE THAT’S WHY CRAIG DIDN’T WANT ADAM TO GO TO SMU. FELT SORRY FOR THEM. MOST KIDS WANT TO GO WHERE THERE FATHER WENT.

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  • ttrr

    AGAIN. I THINK RUFF WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THE JOB, BUT HE SHOULD HAVE SAID THAT THIS VICTORY BELONGS TO LEACH. INSTEAD HE SAID HE HAD COMPLETE TRUST IN THE ADMINISTRATION. SUCK UP

    Report this comment

  • Watchdog113

    yep that was probably the worst quote of the night. The three stooges have a live one with him!

    Report this comment

  • http://redraider.com garyount

    you are proably right but being a minority he has to suckup, but heis a friend of leachand so is lincoln riley that wrote that memo, what I dont understand is why was Adamallowed to continually be a goldbricker and a jerk and get by with it,he probably knew that his dad had a edge over leach and I think he became sucha problemto the morale of the team that leach finally got tired oof it, especially before a big game and Adam was continually saying or faking injurys I think the tv issue reallyneeds tobelooked into?

    Report this comment

  • Robyn Taylor

    Keep looking into the Craig James tv issue- he’s said enough (on the air) about various people, places, and issues that should’ve gotten him fired a long time ago. He called Joe Paterno an “old fart,” ripped up the Big East, criticized and made fun of that running back from Oregon (sorry I don’t remember his name- it was a couple of years ago), and ripped on the area where West Virginia football fans lived. Look, before anyone starts screaming about free speech, that’s not the point. There’s a fine line between ripping someone up and all out making fun of and mocking anyone on the public airwaves. Watch some of these clips from Craig James, the fact that he’s still an announcer is a joke, he should’ve been fired for some of the stuff out of his mouth years ago.

    And I swear he was removed from NFL today for a certain reason because I always remember thinking, “He actually got another job???” Anyway, my comments might stir someone’s memory. Is there a Fire Craig James site yet?

    Look TTU fans, don’t give up on this- keep ripping into this issue- ESPN and the James family had absolutely no right to decide what was best for your football team and community. I am not from Texas but the guy and his punk kid even have me ticked off. My 81-year old sports loving mom even called Adam James a “twit.”

    Report this comment

  • http://redraiders.com RickLattimer

    Wabbit, you said you only pledge allegiance to the U.S.? I thought that was banned, along with the U.S. flag, in Bongville a.k.a. Austin, Texas.

    Report this comment

  • ChuckRaider

    To #1_TTU fan….

    That article hit the nail on the head for sure! I turned off game last night because I was sick of Patrick and his baloney. Bob Davie did at least try to acknowledge that there were other opinions. ESPN, for reasons I don’t understand, clearly has decided to take on the James boys fight for them. Generally I hate to see the college boys get booed but Adam James deserves every bit of it…he is obviously spoiled. It is sickening to see likes of Lincoln Riley tell the truth and then turn on it to get a game as “offensive” coordinator. This was Leach’s game plan and QB calls plays. Defense gave up 31 points to team with 11 missing players and having to play backup QB as wide received because they didn’t even have enough left to field one complete offensive team!

    here is link for those that did not see it on #1_TTU_Fan message.

    http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/jan/02/david-moulton-espn-leaving-itself-open-criticism-m/

    Report this comment

  • Joyce

    Yeh for that Sheffield kid! I love his enthusiasam and energy level he brings to the team. Forgetting the past , I press on to higher things…keep moving forward and don’t look back1

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  • Pamela Young

    Remember that proof is in the pudding, and a true leader will teach his/her team so well that they will perform with out him/her. Coach Pirate is a mad scientist with a twist of attorney background in his mix. He brought Texas Tech football AND the university to national status with his coaching style. Unique individuals can bring success to any situation. How many other successful college football programs have a mad scientist as head coach? Why, after ten seasons, did the Texas Tech administration suspend and then fire Leach after this particular incident with an ESPN (exceptionally stupid people network) so-called analyst’s son? Just asking!

    Report this comment

  • TTAnnie

    I think it is time for everyone to put their big boy/girl panties on and GET OVER IT. Leach is gone….period.
    Oh and way to go, SHEFFIELD!!! He will be the one who brings everyone together, believe it.

    Report this comment

  • PainfullyObvious

    Wascally Wabbit said: “Emilio said, “That dont make no sense just like your adam james like screen name”

    Actually it should read, “That doesn’t make any sense and neither does your screen name which reminds me of Adam James.”

    Your welcome.

    Rabbit, your last sentence should read: “You’re” welcome, not “your” welcome.

    I think you owe Emilio an apology.

    Report this comment

  • http://redraider.com garyount

    PAIN INTHE BUTT I SEE YOUARE BACK WITH YOUR OTHER SORRY STUPID FRIENDS STINKING UP THIS WEBSITE GO PLAY WITHYOURSELVES OR WHAT EVER STUPID CRAP YOU DO..

    Report this comment

  • wazoo

    I turned off the TV game after the 5th or 6th little presentation running down Leach.

    Radio was much, much better!!

    I guess Tech & ESPN think if they tell slanted lies long enough then they become true.

    Fans, don’t let Hance & Meyers spin what they did (& are still doing).

    Report this comment

  • stevo

    Leach is a coward, bully, and now a proven LIAR. Good riddance to Mike Leach. He got what he deserved. Now it’s time to move on and get a new coach.

    Report this comment

  • Jason55

    Was Gerald Meyers at the game??? I never saw the TV cameras showing him…….

    Also Meyers has been around for a LONG time….. How old is this guy anyway??

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  • Jayess

    Leach isn’t going back to Tech so you might as well put your pirate crap up for sale on e-bay. And Craig James isn’t going to be fired from ESPN just because some of the fans in the 143rd largest TV market in the country have lost touch with reality.

    You guys are pathetic. You should be enjoying a nationally televised bowl win by your team, but instead your are cry-babying about the firing of your coach to the point that you make Adam James look more mature than any of you.

    Get over it!

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  • Gary

    Ruff coached a good game, made some very tough calls and came through. He has as much to do with building this team as Leach, Ruff is the #1 recruiter. How many kids do you think we’d have playing if Leach had done home visits to recruits and started running that mouth of his?
    College tootball is about a lot more than winning games, it’s about preparing young men for the world. I’d rather have Ruff work with my kid, wouldn’t want Mike Leach to teach him basket weaving.
    No BCS Bowl wins. No Conference Championships. Why do you guys insist on praising a guy who can’t get into or win the big one? Shoot, I’d bet Leach would have found a way to lose last night – he’s done it before!!

    Go Ruff!!!!!!

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  • http://redraiders.com pamom

    As an outsider who has been following this story I agree with the posters that the announcers for this game were terrible and the ticker was annoying. Many people across the country are following this story. I am a 55 year old female football fan and I knew who Mike Leach was and enjoyed the 60 minute piece about him. I think he made your team stand out , just as Calipari is doing at UK. I would like to hear more from him and more specifics of what went on before with Adam James, maybe he will write a book. Somone needs to just come out and tell it like it is. I agree that the coaches comments after the game were not well chosen.
    Observers across the country like me will follow Coach Leach and be interested in what he does, losing interest in Mr. James and his son.

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  • http://redraider.com garyount

    BRING BACK THE CAPTAIN OR WALK THE PLANKAND I DONT GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOUSAY,FIRE THE 3 STOOGES AND THE COCKROACHES , THE REGENTS AND THAT CRYBABY CRAIG JAMES AND I HOPE THAT ADAM EVENTUALLY GROW UP OR GET DRAFTED OR GO INTO THE MILITARY AND GET A BLANKET PARTY AND I WOULD BET MY LAST DOLLAR THESE COCKROACHES GO TO CHURCH AND PROBABLY ARE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS I HOPE EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU INVOLVED IN THIS CORRUPT MESS ROT IN HELL!!!!!!!!!!

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  • EL TORO

    It is unfortunate with all the attention this has sham has gotten…I have been a TECH fan since the 70′s and stood by them no matter what…I stand by the players and it’s coaching staff…But with this incident happening with Coach Leach and Adam James…just makes no sense…Let’s go back to the trainer who stated “I’m sorry for putting Adam into the closet…” Are you kidding me…if that was the case and anyone having any kind of sense would have to tell Coach Leach “No I will not do that!”…I know Leach has a mind of his own…but I’m just not buying into that at all. Now the other thing I can’t stomach is that Craig James is crying wolf the way he is and blasting Leach on something that should remain quiet until proven guilty. The firing of Leach was uncalled for…suspended maybe…until all facts are there that would lead to firing of Leach as well as any kind of legal action needed to be taken. But from what I’m seeing the way Craig James is acting well that is also inherited by the son…I don’t know those two well…but when someone starts bashing my team or members of my team that don’t fly with me…I’m a native Texan I take care of my own…but when you start bad mouthing your own in your back yard well that just makes you UNTEXAN…(referring to Mr. Craig)….To any fathers out there starting from youth to men let your sons play and if they don’t…don’t scream, yell, and shout…remember it’s about the team and there is no “I” in TEIM…Mr. James leave it alone and go about your business…Coach Leach I will miss you.

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  • tdog

    ESPN’s announcing of the game was a total joke! Both clowns, Davie and Patrick should be re-assigned to the new ESPN kick ball channel! Davie had NO Clue about either one of these teams, can’t pronounce names and the creditability he brings is zero! Patrick just has no clue, what a biased presentation. The Alamo Bowl committee should be complaining to ESPN on what a joke these guys were!

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  • tdog

    Don’t post anything negative about ESPN’s Davie or Patrick, the AJ censors will protect them!! Just like James!!!

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  • Jason55

    143rd tv market….. No wonder Lubbock seems so small when passing thru….

    If Leach had not done such a stupid, hateful thing… he would have coached last night….. AND NEXT YEAR…. Adam is catching a lot of crap because Leach…. Bye bye Mike…… Hope you catch an offensive coordinator’s position. I’m sure there will be a clause in your contract addressing proper use of sheds…..

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  • redraider fan

    I am definitely a TTU fan. I was so proud of the young men who gave postgame interviews and stayed away from the controversy and focused on the team and the win. Congratulations on a wonderful win.

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  • DoubleTinVAB

    I heard there will be a rally in support of Leach somewhere in Lubbock – anyone have details? I will fly in for this.

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  • Heath

    I have a feeling that Ruffin McNeil will be a candidate..but I think Texas Tech will also go out and try to get some high profile people after all of this disaster. I look for them to be naming candidates as of today. Look for some high profile names….like the Connecticut head coach or maybe someone like Tyrone Willingham

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  • Jason55

    How old in Gerald Meyers…….. and when will he leave???

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  • Jason55

    Anyone feel sorry for Adam James??

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  • Heath

    Too bad Bobby Petrino is not available….what is Tommy Bowden doing these days??? LOL

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  • http://Verizon.net James

    If most of the previous postings are from TTU graduates, the university failed to give you a solid education, one that is grounded in logic rather than emotion.
    Mike Leach is his own worst enemy:
    1. The team physician and training contradict Mr. Leach’s interpretation of the event surrounding Adam James.
    2. Two days ago, Mr. Leach was still talking trash about Adam James on national TV. A professional, including a coach or a head coach, does not do that. His image suffers more than the one he identifies as the cause of his problems.
    3. When he sent his attorney to the 99th District Court to get an injunction to permit him to coach the Alamo Bowl, I knew he finished his tenure at TTU.
    4. No staff member, including the head coach of football, has any standing above the Chancellor, the President, the AD or the Board of Regents. Mike Leach is guilty of insubordination. Rabid TTU fans may find that absurd but does a similar thing happen in your business or profession?
    Whoever encouraged him and his attorney to race to the court house did not do him a favor.
    5. If he files suits against TTU, I doubt he will will, as the State protects its institutions, including TTU. But if he unwisely sues the University, his suit will send a message to would be employers to beware. What institution would hire such a coach who behaves as an autocrat and thinks he carries more weight than the administration? I would politely lay his application aside and thank him for his interest.
    Longdrycreek Ranch
    Texas Panhandle

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  • Heath

    Wow you have a point there…but as an outsider and on the other side of the USA…I do not think Mike Leach cares. I guarantee someone will give him a job, kinda like the Mike Price deal. Rebuilds the program and then ends up at a big school. Who knows.

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  • Keith Smith

    Espn is reporting that Craig James will become the new head football coach at Texas Tech.there will be a news conferance Monday Morning naming his as AD and head Coach.

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  • Heath

    Go look on the AP Wire…they are already naming names. Tommy Tuberville being one of them!

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  • http://jsl jsl

    Regardless of how anyone feels last night was the teams night. Everyone keeps whining and complaining about Leach being fired. How do you think those players felt? It was probably a pretty hard punch to the kidneys. Some the posts do nothing but ridicule and chastise players and the current coaches. You know someone had to step in a fill some pretty big shoes, both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. It was a very good and close game and the players and staff did pull out a win. If memory serves, even with the ALL POWERFUL WIZARD, Tech lost last year in the Cotton Bowl. Looks we really can IGNORE THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN. Those of you who booed Adam James and speak ill of Coach Ruffin are the SO CALLED FANS, I’ll use this four letter word rather than the one I’d like to use, everyone always use as examples of how poor and classless the fan base is here in Lubbock. GROW UP and direct your anger at those it should be directed at and at the appropriate time!!!!!

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  • VaTTechsan

    When a coach thinks he/she is bigger than the university, he/she needs another university. In light of what is known and what will be shown, I think the Atheltic Department and Universtiy showed courage and integrity. As much as the ney-sayers would like to think this was a decision that was made without thought and was knee-jerk because of Leach’s behavior during contract negotiations, how silly. If I were still a parent of an athlete, I would be encouraged by the advocacy regarding the student. and apalled by the behavior of the coach The head coach’s behavior was as bad as the athlete if not worse. Who’s the grown-up here?

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  • bob

    i say fire craig james, mike patrick AND bob davie. i wouldnt give two cents for the lot of em. espn owes both teams an appology. espn SUCKS A BIG ONE

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  • wazoo

    JAMES: the team physician and trainer were trying to keep their jobs in light of the tyranical Hance & Meyers arm-twisting.

    Hance & Meyers are big bullies for bigger bullies and real ordinary Tech fans are the big losers becuase of THEM.

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  • techfan

    Glad Tech won and showed they could win without Leach. Great job coaches and players.

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  • 300

    MSU fan here. Nice game last night. Congratulations on a well deserved victory.

    Serious question. Do you think the announcing crew of Mike Patrick and Bob Davie was very one-sided Texas Tech to the point of Mike Leach wasn’t missed? Just to give you a heads-up, Davie went 0-4 at ND vs. MSU when he was head coach.

    I thought Michigan State played you awfully tought considering their circumstances but never got the credit they deserved. Anytime Mark Dantonio was shown he had a grimace on his face. Ruffin was shown laughing and Adam James was smiling. This story isn’t making sense one bit and the evidence isn’t adding up.

    As an outsider of Red Raider football, Mike Leach made it possible for ESPN Game-Day to show the world Lubbock, Texas. I think Leach’s legal team is going to get a fat settlement all because the phone records showing numerous calls between the Chancellor’ s office and Craig James will show an improper relationship.

    Best of luck. If my son wants to become a tornado chaser for a living, I’ll know where to send him to school. ;>)

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  • tbone

    “He (Potts) said he took a hit that caused him to lose vision in one of his eyes, so the Tech coaches deemed him unfit to return to the field.”
    He was promptly taken to a cold, dark closet and told to stand there until after the trophy presentation.

    Leach should have swallowed his pride, signed the apology, accepted the suspension, collected the $800,000, sent James back to Celina, and we would still have a football coach.

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  • wazoo

    tbone: it wasn’t just the trumped-up James deal.

    Leach was dogged all fall with Hance & Meyers looking for any kind of slip-up.

    They will now have an empty stadium to go with their empty arena.

    Whoever is hired will have to get ready for a big-dose of bullying – it’s a Tech TRADITION!!

    YIPEE!!

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  • Keith Smith

    Whats with this guy Riley?, he has told two different stories and even admits to writing the Administration a letter about A.James and how lazy he was.Now he signs an affidavit saying something completely different.

    I’m not from Texas but i am old school,do what your coach tells you to do,I also have some words for the players who are trashing Coach Leach,if you were so unhappy why did you stay?.

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  • patrick eaeley

    I am not a texas Tech fan.I am not a Mike leach fan.However like alot of people i beleive that Texas tech University gave leach a raw deal.Reguardless of how you feel I hope you agree that espn is over the line and has been very biased in there coverage. So anybody who beleives that Craig James should not have been allowed to call football games and be able to give his side of the story unchecked on the facts should file a complaint with the FCC.In doing so your voice can and should be heard.

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  • http://redraiders.com pamom

    Just wondering, did Leach every express his displeasure with the calls from Mr. James re: his son. He should have spoken up to the media, AD , administration or someone to let them know what was going on with this family. He didn’t though I suspect, gave the kid a chance at the beginning when no one else wanted to. A few months or years down the road, many will be following Mike Leach and what he is doing, but they will lose interest in Craig James and his son.

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  • wazoo

    Coach Lincoln Riley got HIS arm-twisted too!.

    Tech is really muddling up the waters.

    By the time Hance & Meyers bribes and extorts every body you won’t even remember the first statements of the people.

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  • Scoop

    As a former director of communications for a LARGE university system in Texas, let me say that most of you have no idea about what goes on behind the scenes in a universty system administration. To the outsider, this situation can look like an egotistical coach used his power to humilate a sophomore wide receiver. Trust me, there is MUCH more going on than you can imagine. If you were privvy to the conversations, directives and admonitions between the Chancellor and the Board of Regents, you would understand just what they’re willing to do to quash the negative publicity that is tarnishing their reputation and questioning their integrity. The BOR and Chancellor wield great power in a unversity setting and they have the authority to “encourage” cooperation of all who work for them. Sad but true. I would not be so quick to judge Coach Leach. He lacks the political and media machines necessary to make his case to the public. Maybe we will get a court to even the playing field so we can learn exactly what went on. Trust me, you’ll not get the whole story from a university admiistration fighting for its reputation or from a biased media outlet. As a journalist, I say that with great sadness.

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  • JimUSMC

    I’m I the only one that noticed how biased the ESPN crew was last night. At the end of the game, one of them said that he was happy for Texas Tech because they showed they can win without Coach Leach. I think that last night showed Tech is a better team without the James Family ripping us apart. Word to Adam James; go back to the metroplex and stay there. GUNS UP!!

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  • feaco
  • Jason55

    How many years before Leach’s next head coaching assignment??? My guess is three……

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  • David

    Sheffield is clearly next year’s leader.

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  • Hulen

    James I’m a panhandle man too, and I agree whole heartedly!
    Leach was a good coach but not a great one. Bill Snyder did much greater things in a much worse situation that Tech has ever been in, with less money, than Leach ever did and ever would have.

    Come on people, don’t buy into the conspiracies so much. Leach was fired more for not cooperating and that Tech couldn’t afford to pay and should not pay championship type money to a coach that never won any championship at all( I dont consider last yrs tie for the South a championship because we played for it outright and got destroyed). The majority of Leach’s wins were against pansy non conference teams and the weak Big XII North. OK we got into the Cotton bowl twice while he was here, but that doesn’t mean even close to what it used to! and never won, woop-di-doo!

    Wake Up Tech Fans!! when our next coach gets us going you all will forget and shutup
    And have you people not read statements from players, including the fan’s beloved Brandon Carter.

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  • Millard Fillmore

    How do you rate these historical messes:

    1. Exxon Valdez;
    2. Watergate ant the missing 17 minutes on the White House tapes;
    3. Gary Francis Powers and the U-2 incident;
    4. Custer’s last stand; and
    5. Now the Leach James matter.

    Actually, and more importantly, I guess Coach Leach didn’t research the right subjects during his years at TTU.

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  • missouriute

    Who/what is that tackle? A perfect example of the cancer Leach was perfecting at your place. NFL boays will have fun with that little tatooooo kid. What is his major?….tatoooing all the gals on campus?

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  • tdog

    ESPN should apologize to both schools on it’s unprofessional announcers, those two jokers should be sent to a nice cool/dark media room and figure out what they can do other than announce!

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  • DoubleTinVAB

    Can anyone confirm their will be a demonstration/rally in support of Mike Leach on Jan 14th?

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  • tdog
  • DoubleTinVAB

    I live in Dallas and read about the demonstration/rally on Dallas Morning News posting. Sounds like a great idea, if not in support of Leach, for sure a demonstration against the egregious actions of the University Administration.

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  • James Travis

    I wish one person would say “Thanks Mike Leach” for last nights win! It was Leach’s coaches and players that “he” assembled and his game plan. Among all the back slapping, no one said thanks Mike. I am afraid we are headed for mediocrity at warp speed. So pathetic…this was handled in a “bush league” manner. My wife and I are now embarrassingly grads of Tech class of ’78 with a son at Tech currently. There might be one or two coaches available that we could hire to revive this sinking ship but they don’t currently work for Tech. The group did a great job last night but it’s one game and not our future! It’s so sad when you consider where Leach had brought us!

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  • tdog

    comments from College Football new concerning ESPN’s coverage

    ) Just when it seemed that ESPN’s coverage of the “Mike Leach v. James Family” mess at Texas Tech couldn’t have been more conflict-ridden or glaringly unprofessional, the production truck at the Alamodome – obviously given the green light by corporate executives and decision makers in Bristol, Conn. – further disgraced the Worldwide Leader by allowing broadcasters Mike Patrick and (Craig James’s replacement) Bob Davie to talk at great length about the story in a rambling, imprecise and emotionally sympathetic manner.

    Don’t blame Patrick and Davie for standing by an ESPN/ABC colleague; blame the production truck – which gives its broadcast team stage directions and relevant parameters – for being a happy and willing enabler for the two men in the booth.

    A lot more will (and should) be written about ESPN’s disgraceful week-long performance, but the short story for now is that Patrick and Davie – in San Antonio to comment on a football GAME – should not have been allowed to say anything about the facts of the case. They had every right to comment on how Ruffin McNeill and the Tech players were affected by the firing of Mike Leach, but their constant and prolonged immersion in a story intimately linked to an ESPN employee was inappropriate by any reasonable measure. That’s the production truck’s fault, and such an item can’t go without mention after a game that was entertaining… and after a broadcast that was anything but

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  • http://steve steve

    Grown men could have solved this problem…like grown men. Tech did not want to keep Leach. He’s too independent for them. Ruffin? He can be controlled. So can Briles. So can Dykes. At the time of his firing, Tech had under contract the most talented offensive mind in college football. Under Leach, Tech had a shot to win every Sat. They had a chance to win any game in which they were behind. Raider nation feared no one! Baby James must be proud for bringing shame to Tech. Don’t forget how his unethical daddy brought shame to SMU. It’s true that the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree.

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  • Watchdog113

    AJ = A-J

    Adam James and Avalanche Journal

    Big bad babies. Funny how they share initials.

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  • waahhhhhhh, poor ttu fans

    i live in texas and it’s a shame that people like this can be recognized on blogs. i have a daughter that attends ttu and i give my money to ttu. i’ll continue that. unlike most of you, i have financial ties. not just some lubbockite with a high school education, or less, with an axe to grind “against the man”.

    you guys should move in with leach and when he tells you to drink more kool-aid, just drink it. you can call the enclave “leachtown”.

    to claim a doctor is in on some kind of conspiracy is shear lunacy, sort of like watching leach talk to himself walking on campus.

    to claim another professional “changed his story” to save his job is just about as stupid as leach’s comment about fat little girl friends.

    to boo a kid, yes he’s a kid because of what a profane, incompetent team adminstrator, i.e. coach, did makes you look like the foolish former players that rushed to his defense without knowing the facts.

    wake up! he’s gone and you bloggers, who probably aren’t alumnus nor donators to program are just trying to find your ‘five minutes’.

    grow up cockroaches. the university needs supporters, not people like you. follow leach to his next home. good riddance.

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  • waahhhhhhh, poor ttu fans

    watchdog,

    get you cap and get back to work…’want fries with that?’

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  • wazoo

    Most Americans think that seeking a court resolution is any citizen’s right, not an act of insubordination!

    Only in Lubbick!

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  • waahhhhhhh, poor ttu fans

    wazoo, get a clue.

    you pee on your boss’ shoes and look for other jobs

    you pee on your boss’ shoes and go over his head to negotiate a new contract

    you pee on your boss’, his boss’, and his boss’ shoes instead of apologizing for doing something wrong.

    they say ‘sit out this week with pay’,

    then you sue them?

    citizen’s right? not hardly. an employee who’s acted weird, shown several acts of insubordination, been filmed verbally abusing players, called out all the girls on campus as “fat little girl friends”, and then didn’t have the brains to just keep his mouth shut? really?

    wazoo, you may need to complete that partial labotomy.

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  • http://lubbockonline TECHALUMNI

    AND WHEN THERE IS A PENDING LAWSUIT, NO ONE CAN SPEAK TO OR FOR THE OPPOSING SIDE so that why players can’t come forward because they risk their scholarships and that includes all Tech staff or Chancellor Kent Hance will think they are being insubordinate and will fire them too.

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  • wazoo

    Waahhhhh – you’re paying for Mr. Hance’s & Mr.’ Meyer’s big egos.

    You’re a great supporter.

    Money is everything to you and your ilk.

    Hope your daughter grows up to have ooddles of it.
    It’s your family’s God (James’s too).

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  • http://kquinn14@suddenlink.net deansboy

    what a bunch of inbred imbeciles defending genghis khan.only in west texas home of the reppublican,right wing ,conspiracy minded ,bigoted racists.

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  • feaco

    Congratulations. Mike Leach’s team won. Coach Ruffin did a fine job. Whether he is going to be head coach or not will not matter unless Ruffin loses weight NOW and gets into better physical shape. Riley can go back to the press box. I noticed that the one time there was a nonroutine matter was when Potts was hurt. It appeared that Riley changed quarterbacks and Ruffin was upset about that. It might not have been that way, but that’s the way it appeared on the Kent (republican lobbyist) Hance show. I thought I would see Alberto (I can’t remember) Gonzales holding Adam James’ hand, but he did not show up. I guess he was working on his class notes for the next three hour week.

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  • Redman

    Kent Hance and Gerald Myers probably need to change there DEPENDS after Leach cleans their butt out of cash

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  • waahhhhhhh, poor ttu fans

    wazoo,

    i can see you received your education at someplace other than a university. south plains college? sudan high school?

    money’s not everything. but to ignore it is foolish. just like the former tech coach you seem to have a “man thing” for.

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  • wingswest

    Coach Leach turned into an ego maniac this year and the entire team, coaching and support staff were all walking on egg shells for NO reason. It caused a devisiveness on the team that may have even led to several losses. Anyone read the players interviews after the game in support of Adam James or see the article ” Texas Tech players describe a different side of fired coach Mike Leach”? I agree that the whole thing got out of hand and could have been handled better but when Coach Leach brought in a LAWYER, everyone had no choice but to CYA. Coach Leach did bring an exciting and winning form of football to Tech which could NEVER be counted out even when they were down and that filled the stands and is now drawing some great recruits. Because of that offensive scheme i dont think i could ever go back to watching a traditional form of offense at Tech. Tech runs and understands this offense better than anyone in the country. WHY LOOK OUTSIDE FOR ANOTHER COACH WHO DOESNT UNDERSTAND THIS OFFENSE LIKE TECH COACHES DO? Leach is gone and all the controversy will hurt recruting this year but Tech has proven they dont need Leach to win and recruits will start to see that. Coach Leach will land on his feet no matter where he goes. Tech isnt dependent on Coach Leach.

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  • TechFann34

    TheTech players came out and played last night. What was the result, Tech beat Michigan State, and proved to everyone that they didnt need Coach Leach and Adam James. Im a big fan of Coach Leach, but none of us are in a position to get rid of the 3 dumbest people in the raider nation. Yeah, we can do petetions, but nobody is going to listen. The admin wanted Leach out, they saw an oppourtunity and took advantage of it. ( With the help of the james’ family and the booster president).
    Has anyone looked into the relationship between Craig James and the booster president. They both live in the Dallas area.
    Now in this era that we live in, its not what you know, its who you know.

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  • http://adam.zuvanich@lubbockonline.com Louis Birdwell

    My Texas Tech Friends, I just hope that this deal will go away as soon as possible, it pains me to see the division which has been caused to the athletes and supporters of the Texas Tech community, not to mention Coach Leach, Adam James and the University Leadership.

    We had a similar situation several years ago at Fresno State University where we fired our womens basketball coach Stacy Johnson Klien for insubordination and on the other hand she requesting equal treatment under Title iX, Like Leach she was well liked by many Bulldog fans, when the Courts got through sifting through all the allegations, she walked away with a cool $19 million and she was not a high priced football coach.

    I congratulate the Raiders on a win last night and hope for compromise and understanding in the future. In my opinion the AD wheels the greatest power on a University campus, a bad one can break the Red Raiders “horses back”.

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  • sally

    ATTENTION ALL TEXAS TECH ALUMNI:
    Join me in withholding all alumni giving and Texas Tech related purchases until Hance, Baily, and Myers, are fired!! All those involved in the Texas Tech Administration who fired Leach with no investigation should be fired! Leach helped them to boost their salaries, expand the stadium, increase Alumni giving, increase enrollment, and graduation rates even increased while Leach was there!! The obvious increase in Texas Tech Pride was due to Leach leading the Red Raiders to the best years they have ever had!! Please withhold your giving…..it is the only way we can be heard!!

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  • http://lubbockavalance edward

    it was a leach team that beat a 6-6 spartan team. not by much. as far as the fans who were being asses to adam james, what were you doing there. and to those who said they would not make another game or renew season tickets you know you were there at the alamo dome. if you don’t like it go to canyon to watch some football. hey tech fans if someone gets fired from any job it means that you did something wrong. this time the pirate walked his own plank. hook ‘em horns. #1

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  • Jerry

    ESPN was a joke all night. I love at halftime, how Rece Davis claims that new information contradicts his interview with Leach. He plays a clip where Leach says he didn’t choose the place, just said to get him somewhere dark, as close to the field the better. Then he reads an affidavit from the trainer who says Leach told him to take him someplace dark.

    Attention ESPN – to contradict means to say something different. They did the same with the doctor’s letter. Both later affidavits said something more, but not different than what Leach said. ESPN is a joke.

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  • southernbillionaire

    Hey HH and He hate me, stop you pro Briles propaganda. Briles is a loser and has lost in 4 of his past 6 seasons. We don’t like losing and we don’t want that loser around here in Lubbock. Sonny Dykes is even worse.

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  • Ride Raider Ride

    Great game by both sides! MSU played very hard and I am sure it would have been a different game if they would have had those 14 players. I was very impressed with the MSU band when they played our “Fight Raider Fight” song on the field before the start of the game – CLASS – thank you.
    NOW ABOUT TECH. Hold on everyone. Ruffin coached one game – Leaches systems, coaches and players. Yes, he did a great job with all that is going on – he held the team together and he is a great defensive coordinator. However, let’s take a deep breath. It appears the Regents wanted Leach gone because they did not think he could take us to the next level. I am not sure Ruffin can. I think we owe it to the University to do a national search – it would not hurt. West Virginia was in this exact situation three years ago. When RR bolted for Michigan they owed him a lot on money, really could not afford to pay a prime time Coach. So they handed the reins to Bill Stewart the day after he won a bowl game. Stewart is the nicest guy, but WVU has not gone to the next level -still playing in mid size bowls. WVU recruiting is down due to the competition in that part of the country – PSU , etc. He is a great guy, great assistant – but not the coach that will take them to the next level. Notre Dame hired a Coach that had never been a head Coach and look what has happen to them the last 5 years. It will take them years to recover.
    Whoever ends up being the Head Coach for Tech they will have 3 years of Leach’s recruits (players) and you really won’t see the effects of new recruiting for 3 to 4 years. A lot of damage can be done in that time. Ask ND. So as part of the Raider Nation, I want to see a National Search which includes an interview with Ruff. Anything less is inappropriate and short sighted! Wreck’em!!!!

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  • Ride Raider Ride

    ESPN = Extra Sensitive Parenting Network

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  • http://freaksforum.com freaksforum.com

    Funny how a guy accused of being paid to play in college and along with the other side of the “pony express” was the reason that SMU just got to their 1st bowl game in over 20 years because of the death penalty issued after he left is saying that HIS son was mistreated at TTU.

    Makes ya wonder!

    I couldn’t have said it better myself. Some think Leach is an egomaniac, it’s James that’s the egomaniac using his stature with a Disney owned product.

    I still haven’t figured out how a win by TTU helped Adam. This is the biggest crock in history of NCAA Football.

    The biggest mistake Mike made was to do the interview with BSPN. He should’ve went to FOX and they could’ve hammered BSPN with the truths, I am hoping that during the BCS games on Fox, they lay the wood to these egomaniacs trying to take over the whole sports world.

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  • San Anton Red Raider

    All Red Raiders need to stop watching ESPN. We need to Boycott these Turkeys. No Coach or Team can trust them now.
    I am so proud of our team and how they did in the face of adversity. LEACH YOU WILL ALWAYS BE OUR FAVORITE PIRATE!!!

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  • Of Rage

    Hey , I don`t know what everyone is upset about , at least the James kid finally came out of the closet.

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  • wazoo

    Tech officials elicited affidavits of the Tech-employed witnesses feelings about what happened.

    Feelings aren’t facts – they can change day-to-day based on what superior is asking the questions.

    We don’t need their opinions on things that happened – just need to know WHAT happened.
    We all got opinions – their’s isn’t any better than mine just becuase the swear to it and sign their name.
    Heck, I’ll swear to MY opinion and sign my name too – that doesn’t make it a fact.

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  • Jason55

    I see recruits running away……. where I don’t know… but Leach has really harmed TT….

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  • cruz44

    tech will need a bail out after leach is finished with them.

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  • cruz44

    thanx ruff for including leach in ur speech lastnight. As i stood there and watched u thank the staff and players somewhere u forgoot leach for giving u the opp. friends like u and some of the players who needs enemies.

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  • cruz44

    as for adam, u woudn’t last one day of practice back in my years is it adam or madam.

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  • Mark W. Hindman

    Coach Leach did not follow the rules of his superiors and insobordination requires a penalty. Ruffin is a good man that has the best interest of the kids and the program at heart. Lets forget about Leach and get behind the Ruffin Tough Red Raiders.

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  • cruz44

    the craig family shuttn down football programs since 1984. pretty good huh?sorry nobody puts baby in the corner.

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  • cruz44

    to all tech teachers u better give madam a good grade or u will get a call from daddy u hear me .

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  • Fornerraiderfan

    Payback for the Craig James, Boycott all sponsors of ESPN.

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  • Poncho

    Gerald M the AD is my age about 74 years old and should be put out to pasture. Hance, who at one time I liked, should also be put out to pasture. Firing Leach and placing Alberto Gonzalez in the faculty points to incompetence. Sukup

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  • Jason55

    cruz44 … “as for adam, u woudn’t last one day of practice back in my years is it adam or madam. ”

    I’d say from you posts you are about 15 years old….. Hopefully you didn’t go to TX Tech…. Grow up……. Have a nice day!

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  • Watchdog113

    now now children don’t pick on the little one (James) he doesn’t know what he did. Still thinks he’s a big shot.
    15 is still more intelligence than both James’ showed.

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  • roque rosales

    Potts threw 5 passes to Alex Torres-four were off target-the fifth was throw to an opponent’s hands
    will a. James now replace freshman A. Torres next year-wasn’t thew reason C.James was upset
    that his son was not getting playing time

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  • Jason55

    James was locked in a shed…… after he had a concussion. Was he supposed to roll over and play dead. Concussions are serious… I’m sure Adam is a better athlete than Leach….. Ever think about that……. lol

    Note: Adam would never get a scholarship at Texas, Okla, etc…….. but he was good enough to get one from Leach..

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  • Greg

    All is over and we have to look at the facts about last nights victory. TTU had a great showing for the senior players and the rest of the team who worked hard all year long to get selected for the Alamo bowl. On that information we have to look at the success and failures of the team performance.

    1. Texas Tech played basically a second team Michigan State. No matter how you slice it; short 14 players equals a lot of key positions playing non-starters.
    2. Michigan State gave TTU all it could hadle with their shortage of personnel. If not for a couple of bad breaks the outcome would be completely different.
    3. No matter who is the new head coach at TT (assume it is McNeil); does TT and the athletic department have approval and right to the Mike Leach offense and coaching schemes. This could be a good argument for the legal team.
    4. If TTU had problems with the depleted MSU team, they will be eaten alive in a 12-13 game schedule. A 6-6 team from the Big-10 gave TTU all it could handle, and I do not see any of the current football coaches even close to being ready/able to lead any Division I team in a normal shcedule.
    5. I am from Lubbock and have been a Red Raider fan all my life, I will remain a Red Raider fan still, but with a lot of concern for the future of all sporting programs at the university, (except Track & Field). Until the administration ruins that as well.
    6. Let Mike Leach go, pray that he gets picked up by a Pac-10 or MWC (New Mexico). This will allow for New Mexico to get a great coach and us fans have a chance at seeing a good coach develop another cellar deweller who will in a few years dominate the MWC and TTU if they have enough brass 1′s to consider scheduling New Mexico.
    7. After last nights performance of the coaching staff, continually sucking up and throwing Leach under the bus. I would forget the TT administration ( the law suit will take care of them), and lobby to have all of the coaching staff fired for being losers themselves.
    8. All of the remaining TT coaches have shown their loyalty and ability to waffle at the 1st chance to make themselves look good. If all the professional coaching/training/Dr staff was so concerned why did it take a late change of mind to side with TT administration?

    Just a few thoughts of the reality of Texas Tech Football, and the rest of the sporting programs at the university that has lost respect from all other univeristies and fans across the nation.

    –Way to bow to a weak parent and weaker student athlete to support their personal agenda.

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  • http://redraider.com garyount

    GUYS AND THESE PRIMA DONNAS NEED TO BE DRAFTEDSO THEY CAN HELP TAKE THE STRESS OF THE REAL MEN..

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  • Ride Raider Ride

    THANK YOU COACH LEACH! Thank you for all that you have done for Tech, the football program and lives of young men that you have helped mold. You have brought pride, enthusiasm, excitement, and great success to Raider football. You have filled the stadium with fans young and old. You have brought the student body back into the stadium – they love you and the team. You will be greatly missed. I am very sadden how this all went down and how you have been treated. I wish you and you family the best. I know this has to be very hard on you family. Sometimes people forget Coaches are human and have feelings also. And they have families who are equally affect by all this. I attended the Alamo Bowl last night – I was glad we won but it was not the same without you. Please know there is an entire Raider Nation that loves you and are willing to walk the plank for you at any time. You will always be our Captain. Guns Up!

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  • Watchdog113

    Ride Raider Ride well said. Ditto.

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  • Rodney

    Please notice that this was a 6 and 6 team who was missing 14 starters…TTU had trouble from the start….If our new coach is now 1 and 0 as a head coach is so great then why does our “D” need so much help…Remember the Cotton Bowl last year…

    Thanks Hance and Baily and Myers for sending us back to the Old Tech that was always 4-7 in the Southwest conference…How many people remember when Rice and Baylor used to kick our butt…well it is coming back…

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  • Jason55

    Ride Raider Ride …….. If Leach hadn’t have locked up an injuried student athlete….. he would still be here today….

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  • Jason55

    Leach got himself fired……..

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  • feaco

    Jason 55 You are wrong. He would have been fired for something else.

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  • feaco

    Chancellor Kent (republican lobbyist) Hance needs to go.

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  • Watchdog113

    Wasn’t he also a Democrat? before switching. Turns to the wind or money no morals.

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  • http://www.redraiders.com/2009/12/30/black-wednesday-leach-firing-leaves-raider-nation-paralyzed/ Larry

    Why did Leach give Adam James a scholarship if he’s lazy and has a sense of entitlement? Didn’t he check his background while he was recruiting him? Sounds like Leach didn’t do his homework. Furthermore, if Adam James was such trouble, why didn’t he just kick him off the team?

    You people need to get over it. Leach is gone. You should be glad. He was a mediocre coach who never won a championship. All he did was run up a bunch of statistics. The fact that you’re still whining over his firing means you accept mediocrity. But of course that’s why you’re Tech fans. Mediocre fans of a mediocre team at a mediocre school in a mediocre town.

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  • Watchdog113

    Go back to Austin Larry and support your Coach Mc Brown.

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  • Eloren

    It’s starting to come out from players that Leach’s alledged “abuses” have spanned many years. If this is true, why didn’t Ruffin McNeill report it or put a stop to it? He and the other coaches may be in an adversarial role during any court proceeding – something the AG’s office will not allow.

    From FootballCoachScoop.com
    1/3/10
    Texas Tech:
    According to our sources, Ruffin McNeil (Interim Head Coach), Larry Fedora (Southern Mississippi Head Coach) and Anthony Lynn (New York Jets Running Backs coach) will be interviewed for the vacant Head job.

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  • feaco

    What happens when I get the following:

    Your comment is awaiting moderation.

    What am I supposed to do, I did not use profanity, even by Lubbock standards, I did not mention alcohol but I did mention Kent (republican lobbyist) Hance and Alberto (I can’t remember) Gonzales. What do I do to get the phrase taken off and what does it mean?

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  • JimUSMC

    I just had a heated debat with a good friend of mine and it just opened my mind to another mode. Coach Leach is a morman, true, yes! Have any of you ever had the displeasure of commanding or attempting to professionally supervise a person of the LSD faith? I have and let me tell you, I have never met a group of people that feel so superior to the rest of us. For those of you that work at Tech, take a good look around and notice the LDS people that have relocated to Lubbock in the past 10 years and look at what positions they are in and how arrogant they truly are. I now feel sorry for the TT administration. I am sure they finally had enough of Leach’s arrogant, superior attitude and ran him off. I have lived it and I now beleive that they ran off Leach for his attitude and not his ability.

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  • feaco

    Jim USMC religious profiling religious profiling religious profiling…

    Shame on you. If you had said something like that about jewish people, you would have been called a…

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  • feaco

    I was drafted in 1967 (Not NFL) and I had more abuse put on me than that little wimp did. It did not hurt me and I did not run to my senator to complain. Adam just needs to grow up elsewhere.

    Tech needs to get a new coach a new chancellor and a new athletic director for starters.

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  • feaco

    I would be concerned about abuse if we were talking about taking a student out of math class and making him sit in a dark room. We are talking about “kids” (Adam will be 21 in February) who go out and are paid by the school in the form of tuition and aid to carry a brown ball up and down the field and hit people. It is a rough sport and nobody forced them to join the team. It is a team and they are to play together. Putting Adam in a closed dark room for two to three hours is not abusive.

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  • feaco

    I would be concerned about abuse if we were talking about taking a student out of math class and making him sit in a dark room. We are talking about “kids” (Adam will be 21 in February) who go out and are paid by the school in the form of tuition and aid to carry a brown ball up and down the field and hit people

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  • feaco

    I do not understand what the paper is doing. Will somebody please email me why I get these moderation messages.

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  • feaco

    I would be concerned about abuse if we were talking about taking a student out of math class and making him sit in a dark room.

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  • James Travis

    The moderation just mens someone has to review it first…takes a while. They aren’t singling you out…probably on a coffee break.

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  • Eloren

    We need to Garyount to justify/explain TT’s Tier 3 academic status when, other than Tier 4 UH, the other major universities in Texas are Tier 1.

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  • feaco

    Poncho. You are very succinct and very right. Chancellor Kent (republican lobbyist) Hance is a detriment to Tech. He is making this his playground and it is costing us the taxpayers a lot of money. He should be fired.

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  • feaco

    Thank you James Travis

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  • Rompin Raider

    I guess we all just wait now to see what this week brings! For the next 24 hours, I am a TCU fan!

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  • Rompin Raider

    Feaco…your posts are there…you must be in good shape!

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  • Ride Raider Ride

    JIM USMC
    I am astonished at your out burst. You are judging a whole religious group based on one relationship you have had with one person. That is pretty sad. Talk about superior and knowing it all.

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  • Ride Raider Ride

    Jason 55
    Read the emails Between a Former Regent and the current admin. (Dallas Morning News has them posted) They speak volumes. Sweet Baby James was a means to an end.

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  • watchgaryttrr

    oh it’s so easy to get the morons riled up.

    i see you guys have been on lots of blogs trying to bring more people to “your side”.

    hahaha. the students will come back to school, and morons like you will continue your dribble on a “blog”.

    good luck dudes. you need it. might want to check in with the city or county for some of that free counseling they offer. or try AA, any local church, or you could always go ask coach leach what to do next.

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  • Ride Raider Ride

    Rodney wrote:”Thanks Hance and Baily and Myers for sending us back to the Old Tech that was always 4-7 in the Southwest conference…”

    I will say it one more time it is the REGENTS. They are calling the shots. The Regents are the governing body and are appointed by the Governor. The Chancellor takes his orders from them, just like the TTU Prez Bailey take his orders from the Chancellor so on and so. Sorry folks this goes to the top.

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  • OL grad 54

    After 191 comments, I am forced to respond. Tech’s D is good -maybe not great. They made some timely interceptions and Henley nearly got a safety. Much improvement since Ruff took on that task.
    Also, I liked Sheffield’s play… I also like Potts – he made some very good plays. Most touchdown passes are beautiful. Don’t underrate Potts. We are fortunate to have both Potts & Sheffield.

    I am sorry re the circumstances that resulted in Mike Leach’s termination. Let us move on “united” for Tech’s future– bigger & better. Change what we can — the bitter pill never works.

    I haven’t been sorry that I’ve been a RED Raider for almost 60 years..

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