LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Emails sent to Texas Tech Athletics Director Kirby Hocutt, obtained by a KCBD open records request, are providing new details about what led to the termination of Head Volleyball Coach Tony Graystone back on Sept. 13.
Hocutt received the complaint on Sept. 7, accusing Graystone of physical abuse, medical mistreatment and felony battery of a player on the team, although the name of the player and the name of the reporting party have both been redacted.
The reporting party asked Hocutt not to talk to the coach before the meeting from “fear of increased retaliation and intimidation from Coach Graystone.”
Hocutt took the meeting on Sept. 9 and Graystone was terminated as of Sept. 13. Texas Tech made the announcement on that day, but provided no additional details.
The termination letter said, “As we discussed, as a result of your actions, Texas Tech is exercising its right under Section 5.A. of your Employment Contract to terminate your employment for cause effective immediately.”
The letter specified: “You will be paid any accrued vacation hours you may have, but all other contractual obligations between Texas Tech and you shall cease immediately.”
Associate Head Coach Alisa Blair is serving as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season. Blair has been with the Red Raiders for four seasons.
The emails referenced in this story were first obtained and reported by Texas Tech’s student newspaper, The Daily Toreador.
We’ll continue to update this story as we learn more.
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