Former Texas Tech basketball coach Mark Adams and the university have reportedly agreed on a $4.1 million payout following his resignation amid controversy over using a Bible quote during a meeting with a student.
Mark Adams via March Madness YouTube
Adams referred to Ephesians 6:5-9 during his conversation with the player.
The Scripture passage reads, “Slaves, be obedient to your human masters with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ not only when being watched, as currying favor, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, willingly serving the Lord and not human beings, knowing that each will be requited from the Lord for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. Masters, act in the same way toward them, and stop bullying, knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven and that with him there is no partiality.”
Mark Adams Embraces Player after Texas Tech Win via Everything Lubbock YouTube
While it is unclear if Adams used the word “slaves” in his reference, the word was deemed “racially insensitive,” by Texas Tech leading to his suspension. In addition, despite the school stating that Adams had apologized for the incident, the coach later denied this, claiming he never apologized.
In addition to the Bible quote controversy, Adams faced accusations of spitting on a player, which he vehemently denied. Despite these allegations, Adams and Texas Tech have finalized a separation agreement.
Mark Adams Press Conference via Texas Tech Red Raiders YouTube
The university allegedly committed to paying Adams $4.1 million within thirty days, including all earned bonuses and salaries for the fiscal year. Considerably less than if they had terminated Adams’ contract without cause. Had that been the case, the university would have been required to pay over $7 million, equating to 60% of the remaining contract balance, according to KLBK Sports Director Arielle Schafer.
DEVELOPING | Here’s all we know about #TexasTech Head Coach Mark Adams suspension…
According to multiple reports if Adams were to be fired without cause, he would be owed 60% of what is remaining on his contract which is around $7 million… #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/WGK9jp192o
— Arielle Schafer (@arielle_schafer) March 6, 2023
Both parties have also reportedly agreed to forego any legal actions related to the incident with the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reporting the settlement states, “Adams hereby agrees to the release of any and all claims against TTU and Texas Tech University System and their employees, appointees, regents and representatives relating to his employment, whether known or unknown, as of the date of this Agreement and TTU agrees to release any and all claims against Adams.”
The settlement also allegedly reads, “This agreement is not, and shall not in any way be construed, as an admission by the Parties of wrongdoing whatsoever against each other or that the Parties violated any federal, state or local law, which both Parties deny.”
Mark Adams High Fiving Young Fan Before Game via Everything Lubbock YouTube
So what happened? Navigating conversations without inadvertently offending individuals can be challenging in today’s increasingly sensitive society. It is essential to recognize that former head coach Mark Adams is adamant that he used the Bible quote from Ephesians 6:5-9 as a motivational tool without malicious intent.
It’s a slippery slope when we consider modifying our values based on the sensitivities of each person we encounter. Of course, it’s vital to maintain respect and empathy in our communication, but it is equally important to understand each individual’s beliefs and values. In doing so, the player could have acknowledged the message of the Bible verse and avoided the resignation altogether, recognizing the coach’s intent.
However, in the case of Adams and Texas Tech, the situation serves as a reminder of the ever-increasing complexity of social dynamics in the world today. Though Adams intended to share a message of servitude and humility through the Bible quote, it was ultimately perceived as offensive and led to his suspension and eventual resignation.
Mark Adams Embraces De’Vion Harmon After Beating In-State Rival Texas via Texas Tech Red Raiders
This instance exposes the media’s contradictory social values and underscores the importance of respecting individual values. Open dialogue and understanding among all parties involved is crucial to fostering mutual respect and growth, not silence, for fear of repercussions.
What’s the overall message of Adam’s resignation? That you can’t express your beliefs? Is that what an individual is? Logic would suggest Mark Adams would have had issues long ago if he was the irreverent coach Texas Tech portrayed him as. After all, he’s coached basketball for over forty years.
Mark Adams via Texas Tech Red Raiders YouTube
Nevertheless, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who finished the 2022 season with a 16-16 record and 5-13 in the Big 12, now face the challenge of finding a new head coach to lead the team. The search for a suitable replacement will be closely watched by fans and alums alike as the university looks forward to this tumultuous chapter in its basketball program’s history.
Do you think Mark Adams’ comment was racially insensitive? Let us know in the comments.