BREAKING!!!: “If He Is Not Fired, I Will Leave,” Says Texas Tech AD Kirby Hocutt Amid Rift Between Forward Player and Star Athlete WACO, TX — In a shocking development that has sent tremors through the college athletics landscape, Texas Tech University Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt has reportedly issued a bold ultimatum: fire a prominent member of the coaching staff or face his resignation.

BREAKING!!!: “If He Is Not Fired, I Will Leave,” Says Texas Tech AD Kirby Hocutt Amid Rift Between Forward Player and Star Athlete

 

WACO, TX — In a shocking development that has sent tremors through the college athletics landscape, Texas Tech University Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt has reportedly issued a bold ultimatum: fire a prominent member of the coaching staff or face his resignation.

 

Multiple sources confirmed Sunday evening that the internal rift stems from an escalating dispute between a key forward on the Texas Tech men’s basketball team and the program’s star player. While the identities of the players involved have not yet been officially released, insiders close to the program describe a “toxic and untenable” situation that has deeply fractured team dynamics and reached the highest levels of university administration.

 

According to reports, the conflict began with a heated altercation during a closed-door practice session two weeks ago. Since then, tensions have only worsened. Players and staff have taken sides, with some backing the more established star athlete, while others are defending the rising forward who allegedly challenged the team’s hierarchy. The dispute has affected locker room morale and reportedly led to poor performance in recent games, raising concerns about the program’s stability heading into the latter half of the season.

 

The drama intensified this weekend when Hocutt, known for his measured leadership and long-standing commitment to the Red Raiders, confronted the coaching staff over their handling of the situation. Sources within the athletic department claim Hocutt was “furious” after learning of an alleged cover-up attempt to minimize the incident and suppress growing concerns from other players.

 

In an emergency meeting with university officials on Sunday afternoon, Hocutt is said to have issued a stark ultimatum: fire the coach responsible for escalating the crisis—or he walks.

 

“If he is not fired, I will leave,” Hocutt reportedly declared during the high-stakes discussion. “This program stands for more than favoritism, dysfunction, and silence in the face of wrongdoing.”

 

The ultimatum marks a rare moment of public discord within a university known for its athletic unity and discipline. It also places Texas Tech in a precarious position. Hocutt has been a pivotal figure in raising the school’s athletic profile, playing a central role in the football program’s growth, NCAA basketball tournament success, and broader athletic development.

 

Texas Tech has yet to issue an official statement. A university spokesperson acknowledged the situation is “being reviewed at the highest level” and urged the public to “withhold judgment until all facts are known.”

 

As fans and analysts speculate about possible fallout—including potential resignations, transfers, or even NCAA intervention—the central question looms: can the Red Raiders salvage their season, and their reputation, amid this internal chaos?

 

For now, all eyes remain on Lubbock, where a university once united under the Red and Black now finds itself at a painful crossroads.

 

More to come as the story develops.