Mike Leach deposition begins in his lawsuit over firing as Texas Tech football coach

Leach deposition begins in lawsuit vs Texas Tech

LUBBOCK, Texas — Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach began giving sworn testimony Friday in the lawsuit he filed against the school after he was fired for allegedly mistreating a receiver suffering from the effects of a concussion.

Leach, dressed in khaki pants and a dark sports coat, arrived a few minutes early for depositions in the case. He didn’t answer reporters’ questions as he walked into a small basement conference room in his attorney’s office building.

One of the attorneys for Texas Tech, Dicky Grigg, said he “had no idea” how long Leach would answer questions Friday. He and attorneys for Leach declined to comment on the case, citing a gag order from the judge.

Leach’s deposition comes a day after Kent Hance, Texas Tech’s chancellor, testified under oath and a day before the receiver, Adam James, is scheduled to give sworn testimony. His father, ESPN analyst and former NFL player Craig James, is also expected to testify Saturday.

The university fired Leach on Dec. 30, two days after suspending him amid allegations he mistreated James after the receiver suffered a concussion. Adam James said Leach twice ordered him to stand for hours while confined in a dark place during practice.

Leach has denied he mistreated James. His lawsuit accuses the school of libel, slander and breach of contract.

Leach has claimed he was fired for financial reasons. He was in the first season of a five-year, $12.7 million contract, and the school was to pay an $800,000 bonus Dec. 31.

The judge in January ordered the two sides into mediation, which Grigg said is continuing.