Mad Scientist, Not a Doctor

Recently allegations against head coach Mike Leach of Texas Tech have arrived about his treatment of a young receiver Adam James, son of ESPN reporter Craig James. Adam received a concussion a few weeks ago and was diagnosed by a certified doctor. This is the normal treatment of such a severe injury, the coach should be in communication with the doctors and the player but when it comes to his health he must listen to the experts. This is where the story turns ugly. Leach had James placed twice into a dark room to isolate him from noise and light, but had a guard at the door, this according to Adam James. If Leach did order this treatment for the player, he has violated two major issues. First off, Adam James has a concussion and should be treated with better medical attention, Leach is not a doctor, he may be a genius on offense but this is not a football matter, it's a health situation that could have lasting effects on his future career. Leach is wrong for trying to play doctor and should have left it to the professionals. He is not denying that he had James placed into a room, the problem is the two different reports on what room he was put in, big difference between a medical treatment room with a trainer compared to an electrical closet with a guard outside. The other issue is the treatment of the problem by Texas Tech and Leach. Tech suspended him right before the Alamo bowl game, a key game for their season. This hurts the players, practices and everything associated with the game and draws attention away from the team and players on the field. Tech has yet to make a statement and is letting the investigation take place (a court hearing is taking place tomorrow to reach a deal). There are rumors that Tech has been dealing with bad blood with Leach (interviewing with University of Washington without permission, calling the players girlfriends negative terms, etc.) and he is due $800,000 as a bonus by Thursday. This might not the full reason but it could weigh in the option for his future. Then their is Leach who is using a lawyer to say everything for him and make accusations that James was angry at the lack of playing time and his father was always around the program bothering it (kinda hard to do when he is all over the nation as a college reporter). Leach is making a fool of himself by using a lawyer, pointing fingers and then saying that he is sure they are trying to fire him, real confidence there. Leach is not helping the issue and taking a lawyer and going to court sends a powerful negative message to the team and future recruits. It is interesting to note that nothing like this has happened before under his tenure (at least not reported) and he signed an extension last season. Whatever happens tomorrow with the court hearing should be interesting and hopefully this messy story can be put to rest or at least locked away in a room.