Hazing probe underway at NM State
New Mexico State abruptly suspended its men’s basketball program Friday, canceling the team’s scheduled game the following day and placing the coaching staff on paid administrative leave while disclosing few details about what had prompted the move.
On Saturday night, university chancellor Dan Arvizu wrote in a letter to the campus community that New Mexico State had received allegations of hazing within the program and an investigation was underway.
Much remains unknown about the alleged hazing incidents, including when and where they occurred. New Mexico University’s police department has yet to confirm or deny whether any incident reports have been filed with it related to the matter. As new information continues to emerge, here’s the latest on where things stand with New Mexico State men’s basketball.
A season in flux: In his letter Saturday night, Arvizu wrote that he made the decision to suspend the operation of New Mexico State’s men’s basketball program after learning of the hazing allegations.
“The most important job I have as Chancellor of the NMSU System is to ensure our students are safe and protected from harm,” the university’s chancellor wrote. “That’s why I was so heartbroken and sickened to hear about these hazing allegations.”
When the decision was made, the Aggies had already traveled to California for their scheduled game Saturday against Cal Baptist. The game was canceled, and the team’s players were instead summoned back to campus, which is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Members of the coaching staff, including first-year head coach Greg Heiar, were placed on paid administrative leave.
‘A despicable act’: Arvizu’s letter did not provide any detail on the alleged behavior or acts behind the hazing allegations. But the chancellor called hazing a “despicable act.”
“It humiliates and degrades someone and has the potential to cause physical and emotional harm, or even death,” Arvizu wrote. “Sadly, hazing can become part of an organization’s culture, if left unchecked. NMSU policy strictly prohibits hazing, in all forms, and it’s something we simply will not tolerate.”
Hazing can take a variety of forms, from forcing someone to perform demeaning acts to verbal abuse to sexual assault.
According to research group StopHazing, a 2008 study found that 74% of student-athletes experienced at least one form of hazing while in college.
Investigation underway: University personnel are investigating the hazing allegations, according to Arvizu’s letter.
“Once our student-athletes arrived on campus, they were met and interviewed by university personnel who are specially trained to conduct investigations into these kinds of matters,” Arvizu wrote to the campus community.
It is immediately unclear whether the investigation referenced by Arvizu is being conducted by university police or another entity.
Two players leave team: Meanwhile, two Aggies players announced Saturday that they are leaving the team.
“Having served several years in the Israeli military, I was raised on the values of excellence, discipline, respect, reliability and accountability,” freshman guard Shahar Lazar wrote in a post on social media. “However, in retrospect, I don’t think the program that I originally committed to aligns with my beliefs and core values.”
Kent Olewiler, a preferred walk-on who was not listed on the Aggies’ official roster, wrote on Twitter: “My recruitment is officially 100% Open.”
Neither player had appeared in a game this season.
What happens next? At this point, there are more outstanding questions than answers.
The Aggies (9-15) have five games remaining in their season, including a scheduled home contest Wednesday against Abilene Christian. It’s unclear whether any of those games will be played.
“In the near term, team operations remain suspended until further notice,” Arvizu said. “We will share additional information, as we can, going forward.”
The New Mexico State’s men’s basketball program is also being examined as part of an unrelated investigation, stemming from a November shooting involving forward Mike Peake. Following a previous confrontation, Peake and a student at rival University of New Mexico exchanged gunshots, resulting in the latter’s death.
Three of Peake’s teammates then arrived on the scene, according to authorities, and left with the gun that Peake had fired, and his tablet. The items were later turned over to police by Aggies assistant coaches.