Associated Press:  A Texas Tech athletic trainer told university officials he did not agree with Mike Leach’s treatment of receiver Adam James after the player was diagnosed with a concussion.

In an affidavit released Saturday by the university, Texas Tech trainer Steve Pincock said he told James he was “sorry” for having placed the player inside an equipment shed near the practice field.

“In a defiant act of insubordination, Coach Leach continually refused to cooperate in a meaningful way to help resolve the complaint. He also refused to obey a suspension order and instead sued Texas Tech University,” the statement made by a source at the university.

Mike Leach Statement

When I arrived at Texas Tech, the football program was on NCAA probation and the graduation rate was far below the national average. However, in the past 10 years, Tech has been to 10 straight bowl games, has the third best record in the Big 12 Conference, and has the highest graduation rate for football players of any public institution in the country.  Read full statement here

On Dec. 21, Pincock spoke with Tech officials, telling them that he did not agree with that “form of treatment for anyone” and that Leach “wanted James to be uncomfortable.”

In an interview a day later, team physician Dr. Michael Phy told university officials that James “may not have been harmed” but he “considered this practice inappropriate.”

The affidavits were dated Jan. 1.

Leach was fired as Texas Tech on Wednesday, two days after he was suspended by the university while it investigated James’ allegations for mistreatment.

Ruffin McNeil Press Conference

Jim Zorn Fired

Reuters.com:  Zorn, who had one year left on his contract, was 12-20 during his two years with the Redskins.

James is the son of former NFL player and ESPN analyst Craig James.

On Friday, Leach denied he mistreated Adam James and said Craig James lobbied frequently to get his son more playing time. Leach said the elder James meddled “more than any parent I’ve dealt with my entire career.”  Read full story here

Jesse Craig “Pony” James born January 2, 1961 in Jacksonville, Texas.  James  is an sports commentator for ABC and ESPN andtelevision networks. Prior to becoming a sportscaster, James was a professional football  player for the New England Patriots of the NFL and for the Washington FederalsUnited States Football League.

He now lives in Celina, Texas  with his wife Marilyn and their four children. His brother Chris was a Major League Baseball  player from 1986 through 1995. His son Adam is a redshirt sophomore receiver for Texas Tech.

Adam James was the center of the controversy that resulted in Texas Tech suspending, and later firing, head football coach Mike Leach shortly before the 2010 Alamo Bowl. Leach allegedly had James twice stand in a shed for two hours during practice because Leach believed the player to be faking a concussion. In light of the allegations, ESPN removed Craig James from announcing the Alamo Bowl with Mike Patrick.

Leach directed the Red Raiders to bowl games in each of his 10 seasons coaching there.  Read full story here

Tech receiver Tramain Swindall said he supported the decision to fire Leach.

Jim Zorn Fired!

Zorn, 56, was expected to be replaced by former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan in the next few days, the Washington Post reported, citing team officials.  Read full story here

Watch Live Football online

Zorn fired as Redskins coach after 4-12 season

NFL Football Scores – NFL Scoreboard – ESPN Week 17

NCAA College Football Scores

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Tags: adam james mike leach, alamo bowl, College Sports, craig james, jim zorn, mike leach fired, ruffin mcneil, texas tech

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