Texas Tech Head Trainer Steve Pincock’s version of the management of Adam Jones injury sheds important new light on the events which eventually led to Mike Leach’s dismissal. With it clear that the physician who cared for Leach stating that no harm was done to Jones in the management, Pincock’s
statement strongly support Leach and put the James’ actions and motivations under scrutiny.

Pincock’s version of events is going to be the key one in sorting all this out. Furthermore, it puts into question whether or not Leach should have been suspended in the first place. As Tech officials were sure to have interviewed Pincock who’s version supports the conclusion that Leach indeed did nothing wrong, it’s small wonder that Leach fought his suspension. And I believe that if Pincock’s version of events are accurate, Leach had no reason to apologize to the James’ as requested by Tech officials.

Moreover, Pincock’s statement calls into question the credibility of Adam James. It could be that the younger Leach fabricated his now U-Tubed video of himself in a closet. If it’s found out he lied about being put into the closet as Pincock’s statement seems to indicate, all parties concerned have a big mess on their hands.

Craig James was clearly a hands-on father in his relationship with the Tech football program. It’s neither good nor does it foster anything positive. Parents – no matter how well connected – cannot get involved in the inner workings of a team. Craig James should know better. If he was constantly baggering coaches about his son, it’s likely to have affected his son’s attitude toward the staff and the way he conducted himself.

Craig James actions are being questioned in other quarters as well. From Jimmy Burch writing in the Fort Worth Telegraph:

And as the father of a 19-year-old, I would have questions for Leach if my son shared tales of being confined to a darkened equipment closet after suffering a concussion. But I’d like to think we could have settled things in a closed-door meeting, followed – if necessary – by a transfer request. And no public skunk fight.

From all indications, Leach did not place his hands on Adam James or verbally embarrass him in front of teammates. That’s a huge distinction and a line reportedly crossed by former Kansas coach Mark Mangino.

This story will now move in another direction. The statements by the team’s head athletic trainer put to rest any question that Adam was either abused or mistreated. It will no longer be about concussions as James’ was managed properly. This will become about a questionable decision by Texas Tech officials and the actions of one well placed family. Leach will end up a sympathetic figure who’s been vindicated.

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