Linebacker suspended after incident

Tohi banned after beating up a teammate Saturday night

New Mexico senior linebacker Evahelotu Tohi, the Lobos’ leading tackler, has been suspended from all team activities because he was involved in an fight that left a teammate hospitalized, KOB TV reported late Tuesday.

UNM sport information director Frank Mercogliano confirmed the altercation. UNM is not naming the hospitalized teammate, who has been described as a friend of Tohi who doesn’t see much playing time.

UNM coach Bob Davie released a statement late Tuesday night: “I was made aware of an incident that happened Saturday night involving two of our student-athletes. Although all the details are still being gathered, I think it’s appropriate at this time to suspend Evah Tohi from all team activities. The University will continue to work through proper procedures and once the process is completed, appropriate action will be taken.”

Tohi leads the Lobos with 57 tackles. He recovered a fumble for a touchdown in UNM’s 61-19 loss at Utah State on Saturday.

When Davie learned about the fight, where it took

place and the condition of the injured teammate was unclear late Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Tohi was at practice and spoke to the Journal about the overall attitude of the Lobos, who are amid a three-game losing skid.

“From the outside a lot of people think that we’re at an all-time low but, here, from the inside, we’re still fighting,” Tohi said. “We never given up on fighting. We’re going to come hard every game as if it is our last. We still have aspirations to be in a bowl game.”