Former OU Coach Mike Leach Suspended Indefinitely

Originally Published: Dec 28, 2009 4:22 PM CDT

Dave Carty
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech University has suspended head football coach Mike Leach indefinitely due to treatment of an athlete after an injury.

In a press release today, the school announced the suspension, which will cause Leach to miss the Red Raiders’ game against Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl.

The athlete, Adam James, and his family issued complaints to the university regarding Leach's handling of a concussion suffered by the wide receiver.

Here is the full release from Texas Tech:

Texas Tech University recently received a complaint from a player and his parents regarding Red Raider Head Football Coach Mike Leach’s treatment of the athlete after an injury.

At Texas Tech all such complaints are considered as serious matters, and as a result, an investigation of the incident is underway. Until the investigation is complete, Texas Tech University is suspending coach Leach from all duties as Head Football Coach effective immediately. The investigation into this matter will continue in a thorough and fair manner.

Coach Ruffin McNeill will assume duties as Interim Head Coach and will coach the team during the Alamo Bowl.

The decision to take these actions was made in consultation with the Texas Tech University president, and the Texas Tech University System chancellor, and Board of Regents chairman and vice chairman.

Because this is a personnel matter no further comment will be forthcoming.

Known for being a strong offensive-minded coach, Leach served as an offensive coordinator under Bob Stoops in 1999. Before that, he held similar positions Iowa Wesleyan, Valdosta State and Kentucky.

Leach is seeking a temporary restraining order that would allow him to coach in the Alamo Bowl on Jan. 2.

The motion was filed Tuesday in Lubbock, Texas. An in-chambers hearing was set for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 99th District Court.

James is the son of former NFL player Craig James.

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