Texas Tech: James' dad talked of suing
The father of injured Texas Tech receiver Adam James threatened to
sue the university if it didn't investigate then-coach Mike Leach,
according to a memo released Wednesday.
Texas Tech University System attorney Ronny Wall wrote in the
Tuesday memo to the Texas attorney general that the threat came
during a Dec. 20 exchange with James' father, ESPN sports analyst
Craig James. The
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal obtained a copy of the memo in
response to an open records request.
The university fired Leach on Dec. 30, two days after
suspending him amid allegations he mistreated Adam James, who was
recovering from a concussion. The receiver says Leach twice ordered
him to stand for hours while confined in a dark place during
practice.
Leach denied the allegations, and responded to his firing
with a lawsuit against the university, alleging libel, slander and
breach of contract.
The Tech memo says James' father "indicated that litigation
could ensue" if Tech didn't investigate Leach "for the improper
treatment" of his son.
"The threat did not appear to be an idle threat as the parent
expressed genuine concern for the health and well-being of his
injured child, as well as other student-athletes," the memo
continued.
James spokesman Scott McLaughlin issued a statement late
Wednesday saying James never threatened to sue Texas Tech.
"Further, Texas Tech initiated its investigation of its own
accord," he said.