Fired Texas Tech coach seeks fast trial, ruling to question school officials
LUBBOCK, Texas — Lawyers for fired coach Mike Leach said Thursday they want to take Texas Tech to trial in the next six weeks and want to question some of the key figures in his dismissal.
The coach’s legal team filed court documents Thursday asking a state district judge to allow them to question administrators and others in about two weeks. One person they want to question is Adam James, the sophomore receiver whose family complaint about how Leach him after a concussion ultimately led to the coach’s firing last month.
James said his coach twice ordered him to stand for hours while confined in a dark place during practice.
Sally Post, a Texas Tech spokeswoman, said the university could not comment because it had not yet been served with notice of the filings.
The university fired Leach with cause on Dec. 30 and contends it does not have to pay him any of the money remaining in his contract. Leach’s lawyers argued in the filings that Tech “wrongfully terminated Leach without cause,” and Texas Tech “contends it does not owe him any additional salary or compensation, including bonuses.” Had Leach been the coach on Dec. 31 he was due an US$800,000 bonus.
It was not clear late Thursday if a hearing date had been set.
No wrongful termination lawsuit has been filed, though the court filing Thursday makes reference to a suit. Leach’s lawyers said they want to take the case to trial by March 1.
“The pleadings that have been filed today speak for themselves,” said Leach lawyer Ted Liggett, who added there likely would be additional filings.
CanadianPress.com
1/8/10
Magnolia Tribune
