Leach's attorney says coach did no wrong
APNews
Dec 29, 2009
The lawyer for Mike Leach says the suspended Texas Tech coach did nothing wrong in how he treated a player with a "mild" concussion.
Ted Liggett says that keeping receiver Adam James inside during practice due to the injury was better for the player than letting him remain outside.
University officials suspended Leach on Monday while the school investigates complaints from James and his family about how the player was treated.
A person close to James with direct knowledge of the situation contends the player was twice forced to stand in a small, dark place for hours while the team practiced. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition on anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.
Liggett says he has a letter from the doctor who examined Adams that supports Leach's actions.
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Associated Press College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo contributed to this report.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) _ Texas Tech is preparing for the Alamo Bowl without its quirky coach.
University officials on Monday suspended Mike Leach while the school investigates complaints from receiver Adam James and his family about how the player was treated after a concussion in practice earlier this month.
James is the son of former NFL player Craig James, now an analyst for ESPN.
Defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill will be the interim coach when the Red Raiders play Michigan State in San Antonio on Jan. 2.
McNeill, who will remain in charge of the team until the investigation is complete, declined to answer questions about the complaints after Monday night's practice in San Antonio. Players were not made available to the media.
"Mike's my friend. We've been friends for a long time, and I don't think right now is the right time to go into that," said McNeill, who Leach brought to Texas Tech in 2000.
He said Leach arrived with the team in San Antonio and that Adam James also was with the team, but not practicing. School officials declined to identify the player, but James' family released a statement to The Associated Press saying it was him.
A person with direct knowledge of the complaints told the AP that James, while unable to practice with a concussion, twice was forced to stand in a small, dark place for hours while the team practiced. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the complaint and the ongoing investigation.
James was hurt Dec. 16 and the next day was diagnosed with a concussion, the person said.
According to the person, James was sequestered at two consecutive practices: