New Mexico State calls off season
New Mexico State called off the rest of its men’s basketball season Sunday after reviewing a police report that cited three players for false imprisonment, harassment and counts of criminal sexual contact against a teammate.
In a statement, chancellor Dan Arvizu said “this action is clearly needed, especially after receiving additional facts and reviewing investigation reports related to the hazing allegations involving student-athletes on the team.”
The campus police report redacted the names of the players involved. The report detailed the victim, telling investigators that on Feb. 6, three members of the team held the victim down, “removed his clothing exposing his buttocks and began to ‘slap his (buttocks)’ and ‘touched his scrotum.”
The victim said other incidents had been occurring since last July or August, and that inappropriate physical and sexual touching by his teammates had been occurring in the locker room and on road trips.
“We must uphold the safety of our students and the integrity of our university,” Arvizu said. “It’s time for this program to reset.”
On Friday, the school announced it was suspending its season indefinitely and putting coach Greg Heiar and his staff on administrative leave. University regents will meet Tuesday to discuss “limited personnel matters concerning individual employees.” Northwestern 64, #1 Purdue 58: On the court Sunday, Boo Buie scored 26 points and the host Wildcats (18-7, 9-5 Big Ten) added a signature win to their bid for the school’s second NCAA Tournament appearance. The Wildcats got the program’s first win in 19 games against the No. 1 team in the AP poll. Zach Edey had 24 points and eight rebounds for the Boilermakers (23-3, 12-3).