With friends like Leach.... - from Sunday's DMN
Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 2:17 amUNIVERSITY PARK – SMU coach Phil Bennett and Texas Tech coach Mike Leach were involved in an argument that triggered a three-minute brawl after the Red Raiders' 27-13 victory at Ford Stadium on Saturday night.
Bennett said he was angry that Texas Tech was using the hurry-up offense and throwing the ball toward the end zone in the final moments. When the game ended, Bennett slammed down his headset, stormed across the field and yelled at Leach. As Bennett walked away, players from both teams traded punches.
After the teams were separated, and as Tech's players were walking toward the tunnel leading to the locker rooms, Bennett yelled at Leach: "You will get your [expletive] kicked when you get into the Big 12."
At his postgame news conference, Bennett was calm but defiant.
"I told Mike I didn't appreciate [the hurry-up offense used late in the game] and how the game ended," said Bennett, who added that he respects Leach. "I'm not a crybaby, but I don't think either team deserved for that to happen. As coaches sometimes, we create situations."
Leach said he understood Bennett's frustration and that he considers the SMU coach a friend.
"We're not a team that kneels on the ball," Tech quarterback Sonny Cumbie said. "We're not a team that runs the dive up the middle. It's just a different philosophy between the two teams. I guess if you don't like it, stop it."
Bennett said he was angry that Texas Tech was using the hurry-up offense and throwing the ball toward the end zone in the final moments. When the game ended, Bennett slammed down his headset, stormed across the field and yelled at Leach. As Bennett walked away, players from both teams traded punches.
After the teams were separated, and as Tech's players were walking toward the tunnel leading to the locker rooms, Bennett yelled at Leach: "You will get your [expletive] kicked when you get into the Big 12."
At his postgame news conference, Bennett was calm but defiant.
"I told Mike I didn't appreciate [the hurry-up offense used late in the game] and how the game ended," said Bennett, who added that he respects Leach. "I'm not a crybaby, but I don't think either team deserved for that to happen. As coaches sometimes, we create situations."
Leach said he understood Bennett's frustration and that he considers the SMU coach a friend.
"We're not a team that kneels on the ball," Tech quarterback Sonny Cumbie said. "We're not a team that runs the dive up the middle. It's just a different philosophy between the two teams. I guess if you don't like it, stop it."