The biggest deadline in the school's athletic history looms Tuesday, by which time Leach either accepts a five-year, $12.7 million extension or goes into next season with only a year of contract cushion remaining.

Or maybe, if the Pirate misses the deadline, Tech even makes him walk the plank.

Question: How could it come to this impasse, with Tech willing to risk its football future?

Answer: Money and power, same as the end of every civilization.