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Former Texas Tech Coach Mike Leach Sues ESPN and Public Relations Firm for Libel and Slander

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Former coach Mike Leach wants to set the record straight after he was fired by Texas Tech amid accusations that he mistreated a player suffering from a concussion. Leach's attorney, Ted Liggett, stated that Leach's reputation has taken a severe hit and been tarnished. The lawsuit claims that ESPN's coverage of Leach's firing was "willful and negligent defamation," and that the network failed to retract false and damaging statements made about Leach.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mike Leach filed a lawsuit against ESPN Inc. and a public relations firm for libel and slander.
  • The lawsuit claims that ESPN's coverage of Leach's firing was "willful and negligent defamation" and that the network failed to retract false and damaging statements.
  • Leach's attorney, Ted Liggett, stated that Leach's reputation has taken a severe hit and been tarnished.
  • The lawsuit was filed in Texas district court and aims to clear Leach's name and restore his reputation.
  • Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach is suing for libel and slander following his termination from the university in 2009.
  • The lawsuit claims that Craig James, the father of the Texas Tech player, provided ESPN with misinformation that led to the libelous statements.
  • The University of Oregon has cleared running back LaMichael James of allegations of impropriety surrounding his use of a vehicle.
  • Former Missouri tight end Chase Coffman was the only Tiger named to the all-time, all-Big 12 team.
  • Former Texas quarterback Vince Young, former Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops were among the top selections.
  • Nebraska will be without senior wide receiver and kick returner Niles Paul due to a foot injury.
  • Niles Paul has 39 catches for 516 yards and one touchdown after 11 games this season and leads the team in receptions.
  • Quarterback Matt Barkley is watching USC's practice with his sprained left ankle in a walking boot and hopes to play Saturday against Notre Dame.

Statistics:

  • 11 games - number of games played by Niles Paul for Nebraska this season.
  • 39 - number of catches by Niles Paul for Nebraska this season.
  • 516 - number of yards gained by Niles Paul for Nebraska this season.
  • 16 - number of kicks returned by Niles Paul for Nebraska this season.
  • 403 - number of yards gained from kick returns by Niles Paul for Nebraska this season.
  • 100 - yard return for a touchdown by Niles Paul against Oklahoma State.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • Texas Tech University
  • ESPN Inc.
  • University of Oregon
  • Missouri University
  • Nebraska University
  • Southern California University

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