Judge says Leach suit against Texas Tech can go on

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - A judge says former football coach Mike Leach's lawsuit over his firing from Texas Tech can move forward.

State District Judge William C. Sowder on Tuesday struck down the university's claim of sovereign immunity from the lawsuit's breach of conduct claim.

Sowder upheld the university's sovereign immunity against all other claims. The lawsuit also included claims of libel, slander and violation of Texas' Whistleblower Act.

The university fired Leach on Dec. 30, two days after it suspended him amid allegations he mistreated a player with a concussion. Leach has denied mistreating Adam James and suspects an $800,000 bonus he was to have received Dec. 31 was the reason he was fired.

James has said his coach twice ordered him to stand for hours while confined in a dark place during practice.