A Texas court Aug. 6 dismissed defamation and other charges against Spaeth Communications and ESPN in a suit by former Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach.

Leach was fired by Texas Tech University after allegations in 2010 that he mistreated a student athlete – the son of an ESPN analyst -- who suffered a concussion. He sued the firm and network, along with the analyst, Craig James, alleging defamation, tortious interference and conspiracy. The suit alleged James hired Spaeth to create "public opinion hostile to Leach," in part by posting online a video of the student-athlete being disciplined.

 "Spaeth Communications -- and the other defendants for that matter -- won summary judgment because the truth made its way into the record," said Scott McLaughlin, attorney for Spaeth at the law firm Jackson Walker. "Spaeth has always taken the position that it would not try this case in the media, being fully confident in the Lubbock County judicial system. Spaeth's confidence was obviously justified and our entire law firm is very happy for Merrie and her colleagues."

The district court granted summary judgment for Spaeth, ESPN and James, dismissing all claims. Spaeth's attorneys argued a "substantial truth" defense, which asserts that if a statement is substantially true even though some minor facts are inaccurate, it should not be considered defamatory.

Leach, whose suit against Texas Tech was dismissed earlier this year, is the now the head football coach at Washington State.