“Show me the Money” Craig James of SMU fame got his way when Mike Leach was fired today. Craig made sure of it by using his media prowess being an ESPN analyst and former college football great, for what Mike Leach had apparently done to his son “Cry Baby” James or maybe he should be called “ Spoiled little brat” James. Adam James was a no hack talent that should have never got a scholarship to Tech in the first place. He was not offered by any other school, but Leach felt he could develop him and decided to toss the James family a bone. Ironically, enough he was a baseball player first that couldn’t hack it on the baseball field either. James threw temper tantrums that would make a two yr old seem calm if he didn’t get his way, or if he didn’t get any playing time. From all accounts he has slacked his entire life and has basically rode the coat tails of his famous dad. It is just shameful to think about what college football has come to now a days. Basically if your parents have money and power and you throw a big fit you will get your way. Not exactly the example that I want my kids to follow.
When looking at the allegations I am not really sure how any of them can be construed of mistreatment of a player. The kid had a concussion, and normal protocol is to have them stay in a low lighted room. Both of these rooms fit this to a tee. James was out at practice wearing sunglasses because the light was still hurting him, so leach sent him to a dark room whether it be a shed or a press room ( aka the electric closet) to help him with his recovery over his concussion. Of course, the biggest reason they threw a fit was because the no talent james wasn’t getting any playing time. Now he also had to run stadium suicides prior to the concussion due to him slacking off during practice, and a game as well. Needless to say this is nothing new in college football today. Of course, Daddy had to step in and use the almighty ESPN to make his plea, and of course Red Neck Hill Billy Texas Tech brass listened.
The bottom line is that Leach’s days were numbered ever since he had the long drawn contract extension fight last yr, that almost led him to resigning, fast forward 10 months and he got a pink slip instead. For the most part everyone has been on Leach’s side besides the James’s and now a backup DT Chris Perry that felt James was treated like an animal. Of course, when you have multiple ex coaches, along with numerous current players that not only back Leach, but talk about the holier than now attitude of James, then it is clear that this was yet another witch hunt in the Big 12. The biggest complaint I would have for leach is sometimes it is better to take a hit to your pride to a keep job, then to be stubborn about it and stand ground. Regardless, if you are right or wrong you don’t have control over the ego maniacal James and the brass of Texas Tech.
Ultimately, this was a major screw up by Texas Tech in letting go of Leach. As not only will they fade away into a land of mediocrity, but they will also lose millions in donor money as well. Let’s Just I would never want to coach for school like this nor have a player like this on my team.
Photo Courtesy of J Lopez
