Lubbock, Texas ? A Texas Tech athletic trainer told university officials he did not agree with Mike Leach’s treatment of receiver Adam James after the player was diagnosed with a concussion.

In an affidavit released Saturday by the university, Texas Tech trainer Steve Pincock said he told James he was “sorry” for having placed the player inside an equipment shed near the practice field.

On Dec. 21, Pincock spoke with Tech officials, telling them that he did not agree with that “form of treatment for anyone” and that Leach “wanted James to be uncomfortable.”

In an interview a day later, team physician Dr. Michael Phy told university officials that James “may not have been harmed” but he “considered this practice inappropriate.”

The affidavits were dated Jan. 1.

Leach was fired as Texas Tech on Wednesday, two days after he was suspended by the university while it investigated James’ allegations for mistreatment.

James is the son of former NFL player and ESPN analyst Craig James.

On Friday, Leach denied he mistreated Adam James and said Craig James lobbied frequently to get his son more playing time. Leach said the elder James meddled “more than any parent I’ve dealt with my entire career.”

Leach also claims he was fired for financial reasons. He was in the first season of a five-year, $12.7 million contract.

Leach was fired with cause, which means the university does not have to pay him any of the money remaining in his contract.

Leach’s attorney said he plans to file a lawsuit against the school.

According to the affidavit, Pincock told university officials that “Leach was upset and concerned about James’ appearance and attitude” when the sophomore showed up Dec. 17 for practice wearing street clothes and sunglasses. Earlier in the day, James was treated by Phy and diagnosed with a concussion. Pincock said injured players are expected to wear jerseys, cleats or workout gear to practice even if they are not participating.

Pincock said Leach used an obscenity to refer to James and told the trainer he did not want the player on the field or in the training facility, according to the affidavit.

Pincock said the shed James was placed in is about the size of a single-car garage. The building had no windows. James was in the shed for two to three hours, according to Pincock’s statement.

Two days later, James arrived at practice at the football stadium wearing what Pincock called, appropriate attire.

Pincock told university officials Leach said to put James back in the equipment shed, according to the affidavit. Instead, James was taken to a media interview room.

Pincock said he “noticed an electrical closet in that room, and walked inside.” Pincock said, according to the affidavit, that he “commented on the noise in that room” and told James not to go inside.

BASEBALL

Jays’ Encarnacion burned

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic — Toronto Blue Jays infielder Edwin Encarnacion was burned in the face by fireworks while celebrating the new year in his native Dominican Republic.

Fiancee Jennifer Pena told The Associated Press that Encarnacion was released from the hospital Saturday and is resting at home. She said his injuries do not require surgery. Encarnacion received first- and second-degree burns when his brother released a firework that hit him in the right side of the face and exploded near his body, she said.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Vols coach apologizes

Knoxville, Tenn. — Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl apologized to fans and fellow coach Pat Summitt for the arrests of four members of his No. 14 basketball team.

Senior forward Tyler Smith, sophomore guard Cameron Tatum, junior center Brian Williams and junior point guard Melvin Goins are facing misdemeanor drug, gun and alcohol charges. Knoxville police arrested the four Friday after stopping the car they were in for speeding.

Pearl says he’s phoned the parents of all his players and even texted Lady Volunteers coach Summitt to apologize if his team has tarnished the good image she’s worked to build.

The four players are indefinitely suspended, and Pearl says dismissal could be an option once he has more information about the incident.

Kansas will play at Tennessee on Jan. 10.

NFL

Jaguars shelve lineman

Jacksonville, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed defensive tackle Atiyyah Ellison on injured reserve and signed defensive back Kennard Cox from the practice squad. Ellison had played in every game this season before injuring his knee last week at New England. Ellison finished with 28 tackles and a sack.

Saints’ Sharper out

Metairie, La. — The New Orleans Saints have decided not to play safety Darren Sharper and tight end David Thomas in their regular-season finale at Carolina. Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said on Saturday that neither player traveled with the team to Charlotte for today’s game. Sharper has a minor soreness in his left knee. He had been listed as questionable.

Broncos’ Royal might sit

Englewood, Colo. — The Denver Broncos’ thin group of wide receivers took another hit Saturday when the team promoted Matt Willis from its practice squad, a sign that Eddie Royal is unlikely to play today.

Coach Josh McDaniels already is benching Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Tony Scheffler for disciplinary reasons for the game against Kansas City with a playoff berth at stake.

If, as expected, a neck injury keeps Royal out for the second straight game, the Broncos would be left with Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Stokley, Brandon Lloyd and Willis at receiver. The four have combined for 58 catches and five TDs this season, about half of what Marshall has. To make room for Willis, the Broncos waived tackle Herb Taylor for the second time this month.

McDaniels announced Friday that he was deactivating Marshall for the Broncos’ biggest game of the season, insinuating the Pro Bowler was exaggerating the extent of a hamstring injury.

NBA

Arenas: Judgment ‘bad’

Washington — Gilbert Arenas said Saturday he used “bad judgment” in bringing guns into the Washington Wizards locker room. He also denied that he gambles and said there are misconceptions in the various stories about a dispute between himself and teammate Javaris Crittenton.

As for the rest, he said he’ll tell it to authorities on Monday.

Arenas spoke following the Wizards’ 97-86 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. His remarks came after two days of reports about the investigation into the guns he kept at the Verizon Center — and about an hour after the family of late Wizards owner Abe Pollin said it was “extremely poor judgment” that the guns were there in the first place.

“I agree,” Arenas said.