LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — A judge says former football coach Mike Leach’s lawsuit over his firing from Texas Tech can move forward.
State District Judge William C. Sowder on Tuesday struck down Texas Tech’s claim of sovereign immunity from the lawsuit. The judge says Tech waived its immunity by its conduct.
The university fired Leach on Dec. 30, two days after it suspended him amid allegations he mistreated a player with a concussion. Leach has denied mistreating Adam James and suspects an $800,000 bonus he was to have received Dec. 31 was the reason he was fired.
James has said his coach twice ordered him to stand for hours while confined in a dark place during practice.
Leach’s lawsuit included claims of slander, libel and breach of contract.
