Texas Tech reaches $4.1 million settlement with coach who stepped down due to Bible reference controversy
Mark Adams resigned as head coach of the Texas Tech men’s basketball team on Wednesday after quoting A Servant and a Master from the Bible while speaking to a player.
Adams was also accused of spitting on a player and denied the allegations, but the school still called his comments “inappropriate, unacceptable and racially insensitive”.
Texas Tech coach Mark Adams shouts during the second half of the team’s NCAA college basketball game against Oklahoma on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
But a sour ending turned a little sweeter for Adams, as he and the university settled on a settlement that will pay him $4.1 million.
The school has agreed to pay Adams within 30 days, plus any bonuses already earned this year. As part of the settlement, both sides agreed not to take any future legal action and to incriminate each other.
“Adams agrees to release, as of the date of this Agreement, any and all claims against TTU and the Texas Tech University System and their employees, appointees, regents and representatives related to his employment, whether known or unknown, and TTU agrees to release any and all claims against Adams.” The agreement reads.
Texas Tech head coach Mark Adams gives instructions to his team against Kansas during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Reid Hoffman)
“This Agreement does not constitute an admission of any wrongful act by the parties against the other or any violation by the parties of any federal, state or local law, which both parties deny, and shall not constitute any will not be taken lightly.”
The coach explained to the stadium on Sunday that he was quoting a verse from the Bible and told a player that there is “always a master and a servant.” He added that he was only “quoting scripture” when talking about being a player’s coach.
“I said that in the Bible Jesus talks about how we all have masters, 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 signals 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.
