Leach faces James in Texas Tech lawsuit deposition

Mar 13, 2010 - 4:18 PM By BETSY BLANEY Associated Press Writer

LUBBOCK, Texas(AP) -- Mike Leach sat across from his accuser Saturday as Craig James gave sworn testimony in the former coach's lawsuit against Texas Tech.

James, whose complaint of mistreatment of his son led to Leach's firing, declined to comment as he walked into the university's administration building before his deposition.

Leach gave more than five hours of sworn testimony Friday. When asked if he would be questioning James, he said, "I'm not allowed to."

Adam James, the son of the ESPN analyst and former NFL player, was to testify under oath later Saturday. Leach will not be in the room when the younger James gives his deposition.

The university fired Leach Dec. 30, two days after suspending him amid allegations he mistreated Adam James, who had a concussion. Adam James contends his coach twice ordered him to stand for hours while confined in a dark place during practice.

Leach has denied mistreating the receiver and suspects an $800,000 bonus he was to have received Dec. 31 was the reason he was fired. His lawsuit includes allegations of libel and slander and breach of contract. Leach had just completed the first year of a five-year, $12.7 milliion deal that came after months of negotiations.

One of Leach's lawyers said Friday that depositions from Texas Tech chancellor Kent Hance and a school attorney bolstered the former coach's contention that he didn't mistreat Adam James and that Leach had a right to sue the school "without fear of retribution."