Craig James Threatened to Sue Texas Tech if Leach Wasn't Investigated

Craig James, the father of Texas Tech receiver Adam James, threatened the possibility of a lawsuit if the university did not investigate former head football Mike Leach for the mistreatment of his son last month, according to a document obtained by FanHouse on Thursday through an open records request.

Leach was fired Dec. 30 as allegations swirled that he had mistreated Adam James, who was suffering from a concussion sustained in a December practice. Leach ordered James to be secluded in dark places on two occasions during practice.

Craig James, the former SMU running back and current ESPN college football analyst, apparently contacted the school and demanded action after hearing his son's side of the story. The school said it took James' threat to sue seriously and almost immediately began an investigation.

"TTU reasonably anticipated litigation on December 20, 2009, after a TTU attorney spoke with the parents of the injured student-athlete because the father of the student athlete indicated that litigation could ensue if TTU did not proceed to investigate Leach for the improper treatment of an injured student-athlete. 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."

Leach, who is still under contract with Texas Tech, has filed a lawsuit against the university claiming breach of contract among many things. Since Leach was fired with cause, Texas Tech has not paid him any of the remaining $12.7 million contract he had coming.

"TTU reasonably anticipated litigation with Leach on the December 21, 2009, when Leach's attorney, Ted Liggett, contacted a TTU attorney and let her know that he represented Leach should any action be taken by the parents of the injured student-athlete or if TTU should take any action regarding Leach's employment."

Leach was initially suspended by Texas Tech on Dec. 28, the day the Red Raiders touched down in San Antonio in preparation for the Valero Alamo Bowl. Two days later, Leach sought a restraining order against the suspension in a Lubbock court. On the morning of Dec. 30 just as a hearing on the restraining order was about to begin, Leach's attorney was notified his client had been fired with cause.

"Finally, when Leach filed his Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Temporary Injunction on Dec. 29, 2009, TTU was officially notified that Leach considered TTU's actions a breach of contract. Leach filed additional allegations against TTU including fraud in the inducement and waiver of sovereign immunity by conduct in his First Amended Petition on Dec. 30, 2009. Therefore, litigation had, in fact, commenced against TTU prior to TTU's receipt of the attached requests, which were all received on or after January, 4, 2010."

Calls to Texas Tech officials and Craig James were not returned Thursday. But James' spokesman, Scott McLaughlin, issued a statement Wednesday night saying his client never threatened to sue Texas Tech, according to the Associated Press.

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