Crossing The Line

Wining isn't everything....

Mike Leach, Texas Tech head coach, was suspended on Monday then fired on Wednesday after wide receiver Adam James and his family filed a complaint about Leach's treatment of the athlete following an injury, by ordering Adam James to stand in a dark shed at the Texas Tech football practice facility because he thought James was faking a concussion.

Texas Tech is the second Big 12 school to recently conduct an investigation into allegations of mistreatment of football players. Mark Mangino resigned as head coach at Kansas. That was related to player concerns about verbal and physical abuse, though Mangino repeatedly denied any wrongdoing regarding the allegations against him. Mangino is due to receive a $3 million settlement from the school's athletics program.

A very strong message has been sent by University of Texas Tech, that there are more important values than winning. The "Old School" days of discipline are gone. Coaches are learning there are things that just will not be tolerated by parents and administrations in this day and age - especially when it comes to physical, verbal or emotional abuse.

Treatment of players is an issue that has become very sensitive in athletics today. Administrators and athletic directors will be keeping very close watch on how coaches are handling their teams. Therefore, Keep yourself free from any possible allegations by using common sense. Treat all players with respect and dignity any human being deserves - not like a caged animal.