Mike Leach fired: Texas Tech coach's methods seen as cruel

Modern players both in college and, to a greater degree, professional sports have changed, and many are less willing to take the tough, confrontational style epitomized by the late Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks, who often berated players for perceived weaknesses. Yet coaching, too, is exhibiting a personally vindictive turn, some say.

“Whatever happened to extra running as motivation to play better, or punishment for missing assignments?" writes Fanhouse’s senior national columnist, Kevin Blackistone. “Are the stadium stairs no longer available at the end of practice?"

“This isn't about not being able to do it the way old coaches did it,” Blackistone adds. “No, this is about abject stupidity, and there shouldn't be any quarter for it in institutions of higher learning. Abuse isn't a part of pedagogy any more than it is a part of anything else.”

The case of Bob Knight

Ironically, Texas Tech was also involved in perhaps the most well-known example of an elite college coach getting the sack for being abusive toward his players.

Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight threw chairs and upbraided players for years, but it was not until a player accused Knight of choking him that Knight was put on zero-tolerance probation by the university in 2000. When Knight grabbed another player by the arm to lecture him about respect later that year, university president Myles Brand fired him for "a continued pattern of unacceptable behavior." Knight went on to coach another eight years at Texas Tech.

Four years after firing Knight, Brand was president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and instituted a strategic plan that mandates that "individuals at all levels of intercollegiate athletics will be accountable to the highest standards of behavior." Brand’s reaction came partly in response to growing concerns about player abuse, exploitation, and rising personal and financial stakes in the amateur game.

In Leach's case, however, swift justice could mean the absence of a full hearing. Leach has defended himself by saying the player was in the air-conditioned equipment garage for his own protection. Leach’s lawyer says he has evidence to show that Monday’s suspension, which led to Wednesday’s firing, is without merit.

"We can guarantee that the fight has just begun," Ted Liggett, Leach’s laywer, said.

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