The Mike Leach Story: A Public Hanging By The Media

As citizens of the United States, our Constitution grants us certain rights within the Bill of Rights. Among these rights, freedom of speech and the right to a fair trial are also found.

In the recent case of Coach Mike Leach at Texas Tech, however, it seems that only one of these two rights have been afforded to him.

This leaves many of us to wonder;are we living in the "Old West" once again? A time in which men were hung without trial.

The only item that is in jeopardy in this case is the career of Mike Leach.

As soon as the story broke, media outlets such as CNN and Fox News reported the story with such a slant you would think Coach Leach was standing over his practice field with a loaded shot gun.

The worst display of this public hanging was by ESPN itself. Lou Holtz must be given respect this time. Yes folks, Lou called for restraint until more facts surfaced. 

On the other hand, Mark May eagerily tightened the noose around Leach's neck. As Holtz asked for the facts, analyst May taunted him more and more. May even stated. "they would not have suspended him if it wasn't true." Nice reporting Mark." Now that is what I call being objective.

As more facts arise each day, this story will be settled sooner than later. If Coach Leach ordered Adam James to do these things, then in what capacity was he ordered to do them? Was it for punishment? Was it for help? 

It is hard to believe that such a smart man as Leach, would publicly humiliate Craig James' kid. Oh wait, there was a time he ordered receiver Eddie Britton to study at the fifty yard line after practice because he had missed a study session.

That my friends is called humiliation to motivate. After all, these kids are there for an education, not just football. It must work, as Leach graduates over 70 percent of his players. Thanks for caring coach, but understand we live in a society today where  one's feelings are more important than outcomes.

As for the outcome of this saga, I will just wait and see. I have a feeling, however, that the outcome of this will take me back to one of the true Eastwood classics, "Hang Em High."

In the end, however, If the rope snaps, I wonder if Coach Leach will be given another opportunity to graduate 70 percent of his players from another university.