Leach deposition begins in lawsuit
March 12, 2010
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)—Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach began giving sworntestimony Friday in the lawsuit he filed against the school after he was firedfor allegedly mistreating a receiver suffering from the effects of a concussion.
Leach, dressed in khaki pants and a dark sports coat, arrived a few minutesearly for depositions in the case. He didn’t answer reporters’ questions as hewalked 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 Leachdeclined 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 togive sworn testimony. His father, ESPN analyst and former NFL player CraigJames, is also expected to testify Saturday.
The university fired Leach on Dec. 30, two days after suspending him amidallegations he mistreated James after the receiver suffered a concussion. AdamJames said Leach twice ordered him to stand for hours while confined in a darkplace during practice.
Leach has denied he mistreated James. His lawsuit accuses the school oflibel, slander and breach of contract.
Leach has claimed he was fired for financial reasons. He was in the firstseason 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 saidis continuing.