In his first media interview since Dec. 2009, Texas Tech tight end/receiver Adam James said it wouldn’t surprise him if he were booed when he runs on to the field for senior day.
“They’ll be people cheering and there’ll be people booing,” James said in a sit-down interview with multiple media outlets. “And the people cheering, that’s great, and the people booing... I wish they take the opportunity to get to know me.”
James will be undoubtedly be accompanied by his father, Craig James, a central figure believed to have pushed for the firing of former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach. It was just before the 2009 Alamo Bowl that the allegations that Leach mistreated a concussed Adam James surfaced, resulting in Leach being fired.
Some Red Raiders haven’t quite gotten over that.
“I guess when you get 60,000 strong (in Jones AT&T Stadium), it’s easy to voice your opinion,” James said. “But I really have never let what people say or think about me affect me, unless it was somebody that really knew me and knew who I was.”
TTU quarterback Seth Doege has said that James’ work ethic and leadership has risen over the past year or two. Former quarterback Graham Harrell and receivers coach/current West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen both stated previously they felt James was spoiled and carried a sense of entitlement.
“I would say everybody has their opinion, and if that’s their opinion of me, that’s unfortunate. I think if you were to go ask any of my teammates now, any of my coaches now, it would be a completely different response.”