Texas Tech attorney says Craig James threatened to sue over now-fired coach’s treatment of son

Texas Tech: James threatened to sue over Leach

LUBBOCK, Texas — A memo written by a Texas Tech attorney says the father of injured receiver Adam James threatened to sue the university if it didn’t investigate then-coach Mike Leach.

The Tuesday memo says the threat came during a Dec. 20 exchange with James’ father, ESPN sports analyst Craig James.

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal obtained a copy in response to an open records request.

The university fired Leach on Dec. 30, two days after suspending him amid allegations he mistreated Adam James while the receiver recovered from a concussion. Leach denies the allegations and sued the university after his firing.

The Tech memo says James’ father indicated “litigation could ensue” if Tech didn’t investigate Leach.

James spokesman Scott McLaughlin says James never threatened to sue Texas Tech.

Information from: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, www.lubbockonline.com

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — The father of injured Texas Tech receiver Adam James threatened to sue the university if it didn’t investigate then-coach Mike Leach, according to a memo released Wednesday.

Texas Tech University System attorney Ronny Wall wrote in the memo to the Texas attorney general that the threat came during a Dec. 20 exchange with James’ father, ESPN sports analyst Craig James. The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal obtained a copy of the memo in response to an open records request.

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

Leach denied the allegations, and responded to his firing with a lawsuit against the university, alleging libel, slander and breach of contract.

The Tech memo says James’ father “indicated that litigation could ensue” if Tech didn’t investigate Leach “for the improper treatment” of his son.

“The threat did not appear to be an idle threat as the parent expressed genuine concern for the health and well-being of his injured child, as well as other student-athletes,” the memo continued.

James spokesman Scott McLaughlin issued a statement late Wednesday saying James never threatened to sue Texas Tech.

“Further, Texas Tech initiated its investigation of its own accord,” he said.

Information from: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, www.lubbockonline.com

(This version CORRECTS day of memo to Tuesday, not Wednesday.))