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Texas Tech suspends men's basketball coach Mark Adams

Mar. 5, 2023
Texas Tech suspends men's basketball coach Mark Adams

Texas Tech University men's basketball coach Mark Adams has been suspended after making an 'inappropriate, unacceptable, and racially insensitive comment' to a player.

The incident occurred in a meeting between Adams and a player, who wasn't identified, the school said in a news release. 

A statement on Sunday morning read: 'Texas Tech University has suspended men's basketball head coach Mark Adams in relation to the use of an inappropriate, unacceptable, and racially insensitive comment last week.

'On Friday, Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt was made aware of an incident regarding a coaching session between Adams and a member of the men's basketball team. 

'Adams was encouraging the student-athlete to be more receptive to coaching and referenced Bible verses about workers, teachers, parents, and slaves serving their masters. Adams immediately addressed this with the team and apologized.

'Upon learning of the incident, Hocutt addressed this matter with Adams and issued him a written reprimand. 

'Hocutt subsequently made the decision to suspend Adams effective immediately in order to conduct a more thorough inquiry of Adams' interactions with his players and staff.'

Adams spoke to Stadium and insider Jeff Goodman, saying, 'I was quoting the scripture. It was a private conversation about coaching and when you have a job, and being coachable.'

'I said that in the bible that Jesus talks about how we all have bosses, and we all are servants,' Adams added. 'I was quoting the bible about that.'

Stadium also reported that Adams addressed the team the next day to explain what happened. 

'One of my coaches said it bothered the player,' Adams said.

On Twitter, Goodman added that there was a separate incident that Texas Tech is also looking into regarding Adams allegedly spitting on a player.

Goodman also quoted a source in the program who said, 'I'd be shocked if Mark Adams coaches another game in Lubbock. Most of the players don't want to play for him.'

The school didn't say who would fill in for Adams as coach for the upcoming Big 12 Tournament. Texas Tech (16-15, 5-13 Big 12) is the ninth seed and plays West Virginia on Wednesday night in Kansas City, Missouri.

The 66-year-old Adams is in in his second season. He replaced Chris Beard, who left to coach Texas, his alma mater. 

But Beard was fired this season by the Longhorns after he was charged in a felony domestic violence case; prosecutors later dropped the charge.

The Red Raiders made the Sweet 16 in Adams' first season but started 0-8 in the Big 12 this season.


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