Why was Texas Tech coach Mark Adams suspended?

Texas Tech men’s basketball coach Mark Adams was has suspended for an “inappropriate, unacceptable, and racially insensitive remark.”

In a statement released by Texas Tech on Sunday, March 5 2023,  it was revealed that Adams had invoked biblical allusions to slaves serving their masters while “encouraging (a) student-athlete to be more receptive to coaching.”

Adams “immediately addressed this with the team and apologized,” the statement continued.

Kirby Hocutt, the athletic director, was made aware of the incident on Friday, March 3 2023. He issued a written reprimand to Adams before suspending him to conduct a “more thorough investigation of Adams’ interactions with his players and staff.”

Adams was already under pressure from influential people around the program because of Texas Tech’s disappointing season, sources told ESPN. If Adams were to be fired without cause, he would be owed 60% of what is remaining on his contract: more than $7 million.