Mike Leach claims Texas Tech 'cheated' him out of millions of dollars

Mississippi State coach Mike Leach stated on Monday that he will continue his legal battle with Texas Tech, claiming they cheated him out of $2.6 million. Leach was fired from Texas Tech after a scandal involving the alleged mistreatment of an injured player. Leach claims that he was not fired with proper cause and that he is owed money for his contract.

Mike Leach “cheated” out of $2.6 million

Leach revealed during his Monday press conference that the Bulldogs’ matchup with Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl this year has a personal edge for him. As the schools prepare to play on Dec. 28, the history of Leach and the Red Raiders has added another level to the bowl game.

Texas Tech fired Leach for cause before their bowl game in 2010, following the alleged mistreatment of receiver Adam James. James had suffered a concussion and was reportedly locked in a dark room. When approached by James’ father calling for Leach’s firing, the school eventually suspended and then fired Leach.

Leach maintains that Texas Tech did not do the investigation they claimed to have done, indicating that the school was covering up their lack of proof. Leach also maintains that the school hid documents regarding sexual assault allegations that they did not report.

“They lied about having an investigation, and then they won’t produce the documents to prove they had an investigation,” Leach said. “It just goes to show you how [former Texas Tech chancellor] Kent Hance and some of his little cronies, how sleazy those guys are. So let’s go ahead and see it. And of course, it’s going to illustrate that they lied to the fans and everybody else. And then they continue to hide documents from everything from sexual assault to everything else.”

Leach also indicated that he’s interested in settling things with the school as soon as they compensate him for the money he is owed.

“Forever,” Leach said when asked how long he’ll battle Texas Tech in court. “Why not? I mean, what do I got to lose? I don’t have anything to lose. I mean, they cheated me out of $2.6 million, plus four years remaining on my contract.

“I’ve been willing to settle this thing for a long time, but they don’t seem to be willing to. I think that’s unfortunate. I think all the people there are great. Some of the leadership, at least when I was there, was very sleazy and slimy and dirty. I enjoy naming names on it too, which I might as well. They all know who they are. We should get this thing settled. They should pay me. And we should all celebrate achievements together. But that doesn’t seem to be what they have in mind.

“I think settling for $2.6 [million] is very generous on my part, and the hiding of documents becomes even more disgusting, because that shows a level of corruption,” Leach finished. “I wouldn’t even rule out some criminal prosecution on the thing. We’ll see how it unfolds.”