LUBBOCK, Texas — Texas Tech suspended Mike Leach on Monday while the school investigated complaints from receiver Adam James and his family about how the coach treated the player after a concussion on Dec. 16.
James is the son of former NFL player and current television analyst Craig James.
The school said in a release that defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill will be the interim coach and lead the team in the Alamo Bowl on Jan. 2 against Michigan State.
Texas Tech officials declined to identify the player, but James’ family released a statement to The Associated Press identifying Adam as the player involved.
A person with direct knowledge of the complaints told the AP that James, while unable to practice with a concussion, twice was forced to stand in a small, dark place for hours while the team practiced. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the complaint.
Craig James was scheduled to announce the Alamo Bowl from San Antonio. ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said James no longer will work the game.
Sports, Pages 23 on 12/29/2009