LUBBOCK, Texas — A Texas Tech athletic trainer told university officials he did not agree with Mike Leach's treatment of receiver Adam James after the player was diagnosed with a concussion.
In an affidavit released Saturday by the university, Texas Tech trainer Steve Pincock said he told James he was "sorry" for having placed the player inside an equipment shed near the practice field.
On Dec. 21, Pincock spoke with Tech officials, telling them that he did not agree with that "form of treatment for anyone" and that Leach "wanted James to be uncomfortable."
In an interview a day later, team physician Dr. Michael Phy told university officials that James "may not have been harmed" but he "considered this practice inappropriate."
The affidavits were dated Jan. 1.
Leach was fired as Texas Tech on Wednesday, two days after he was suspended by the university while it investigated James' allegations for mistreatment.
James is the son of former NFL player and ESPN analyst Craig James.
On Friday, Leach denied he mistreated Adam James and said Craig James lobbied frequently to get his son more playing time. Leach said the elder James meddled "more than any parent I've dealt with my entire career."
Leach also claims he was fired for financial reasons. He was in the first season of a five-year, $12.7 million contract.
Leach was fired with cause, which means the university does not have to pay him any of the money remaining in his contract.
Leach's attorney said he plans to file a lawsuit against the school.
Cal's Best to enter draft
California star tailback Jahvid Best will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.
Best said it was not an easy decision. Best missed the final four games of the season after a frightening fall led to a concussion and sore back. He is projected to be a first-round pick.
Best was knocked out when he fell on the back of his head from about 8 feet while leaping into the end zone for a touchdown against Oregon State on Nov. 7.
Best entered the season as one of the most dynamic running backs in the country and a contender for the Heisman Trophy. He finished the season with 16 touchdowns and 867 yards rushing before the injury.
