Texas Tech trainer says he didn't agree with player's treatment

LUBBOCK, Texas -- A Texas Tech athletic trainer told university officials he did not agree with Mike Leach's treatment of receiver Adam James after the player was diagnosed with a concussion.

In an affidavit obtained Saturday by The Associated Press, Texas Tech athletic trainer Steve Pincock says he told James he was "sorry" for having placed the player inside an equipment shed near the practice field.

On Dec. 21, Pincock spoke with Tech officials, telling them that he did not agree with that "form of treatment for anyone" and that Leach "wanted James to be uncomfortable."

In an interview a day later, team physician Dr. Michael Phy told university officials that James "may not have been harmed" but he "considered this practice inappropriate."

Leach was fired as Texas Tech on Wednesday, two days after he was suspended by the university while it investigated James' allegations for mistreatment.

James is the son of former NFL player and ESPN analyst Craig James.

On Friday, Leach denied he mistreated Adam James and said Craig James lobbied frequently to get his son more playing time. Leach said the elder James meddled "more than any parent I've dealt with my entire career."

Leach also claims he was fired for financial reasons. He was in the first season of a five-year, $12.7 million contract.