It’s hard to know what to make of the current investigation and situation surrounding Texas Tech coach Mike Leach. Leach is being investigated by the school for his alleged treatment of receiver Adam James after doctors said James couldn’t practice because of a concussion. James’ father is a high-profile analyst and former player with a lot of clout who has a platform as a broadcaster for ESPN. Texas Tech is on the hook for millions of dollars to Leach, including an $800,000 bonus if Leach is still the team’s coach by Thursday. People are suggesting that Texas Tech is trying to get rid of Leach because of the money they owe him and that they’re using the James case as a reason for justifiable cause. James appears to be using the current climate of sensitivity amongst football players who have concussions to garner anti-Leach sentiment. While there was initially widespread outrage towards Leach for his alleged mistreatment of James, new information paints the situation in an entirely different light.
Several letters and emails from CBS Sports from current or former Texas Tech coaches and players describe Texas Tech receiver Adam James as an entitled, lazy, and selfish player who was unqualified to play Division-I football. One email even called James a jerk. Reading all these emails allows one to see another side of the story, one that displays the incident as something other than the gross mistreatment of a concussed player by a coach. After seeing the other side of the story, I believe this an example of a spoiled child hiding behind his powerful parents to get back at a coach who was hard on the kid and made him earn his playing time. What makes matters worse is that James’ parents are drumming up this negative sentiment against Leach on ESPN without describing all of his son’s shortcomings. Was it right of Leach to place James in those isolated rooms during practice? No. Did James need to be disciplined for a poor work ethic and attitude? From the sounds of it, absolutely.
Mike Leach is nowhere near the bad guy he’s being made out to be by the James family. It’s a shame that people are jumping all over the guy without looking at all sides of the story. Furthermore, why is Texas Tech so motivated to get rid of the guy? Did they reach by overspending to keep him? That’s their mistake, not Leach’s. Anyway, check out this Lubbock news report for more insight on the story at hand and then let me know what you think.
