Mark Adams resigned as head coach of the Texas Tech men’s basketball team Wednesday after making a reference to a master and slave from the Bible when speaking to a player.
Adams was also accused of spitting at a player and denied those allegations, but the school still called his comment «inappropriate, unacceptable and racially insensitive.»
Texas Tech coach Mark Adams yells during the second half of the team’s NCAA college basketball game against Oklahoma, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, in Norman, Oklahoma. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
But a bitter end turned a little sweeter for Adams, as he and the university reached an agreement whereby he will be paid $4.1 million.
The school agreed to pay Adams within 30 days, as well as any bonuses he’s already earned this year. As part of the settlement, the two parties agreed not to take any legal action in the future and to plead not guilty.
«Adams hereby agrees to the release of any and all claims against TTU and the Texas Tech University System and their employees, designees, managers, and representatives relating to their employment, whether known or unknown, as of the date of this Agreement and TTU agrees to release any and all claims against Adams,» the agreement says.
Texas Tech head coach Mark Adams gives instructions to his team against Kansas during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lawrence, Kansas on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
«This Agreement is not, and shall not be construed in any way, as an admission by the Parties of any wrongdoing against each other or that the Parties violated any federal, state or local law, which both Parties deny.»
The coach explained to Stadium on Sunday that he had been quoting a Bible verse and told one of the players that «there is always a master and a servant.» He added that he was only «quoting scripture» when he talked about a player being coachable.
«I said that in the Bible Jesus talks about we all have bosses and we are all servants,» Adams told Stadium. «I was quoting the Bible about it.»
Stillwater, Oklahoma: Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Mark Adams gestures to his team on a play against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. (Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports)
The Red Raiders finished 16-16 this season, but just 5-13 in the Big 12 after making the Sweet 16 last year.