New Mexico State ends basketball season after hazing scandal
Jack Birle
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New Mexico State University announced Sunday it has ended its basketball season early after a police report cited three players with false imprisonment, harassment, and criminal sexual contact for actions against a teammate.
Dan Arvizu, chancellor of the New Mexico State University system, said it would not play its remaining five games and that the school had informed the Western Athletic Conference about its decision.
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“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. Hazing has no place on our campus, and those found responsible will be held accountable for their actions,” Arvizu said in a statement. “We must uphold the safety of our students and the integrity of our university. It’s time for this program to reset.”
The police report says the incidents the three unnamed players were cited for had been occurring since July or August 2022, with the most recent event happening on Feb. 6. The most recent incident allegedly involved the three players holding down the one player and slapping his bare backside. The victim alleges he was unable to do anything because it was a “‘3 on 1’ type of situation.” He also told police no one intervened and that there was a possibility other players were subjected to this type of treatment.
“The Western Athletic Conference is committed to both the mental and physical wellbeing of all of our student-athletes. We are saddened and disappointed that hazing continues to be a part of our society at any level. Over the last 48 hours, our staff and membership have been working to find a solution that best protects every WAC student-athlete and institution. We fully support New Mexico State’s decision to suspend the rest of its season, as they take this time to focus on the health and safety of their student-athletes,” the conference said in a statement.
The school announced Saturday that the basketball team would temporarily suspend operations, with all coaching staff being placed on paid administrative leave. Student-athletes were also interviewed as part of an investigation into the incidents.
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The New Mexico State Aggies have had a troubled season, with starting forward Mike Peake getting involved in a gunfight in November 2022 that left one person dead. Peake was suspended from the team but has not been charged with a crime. The Aggies also struggled on the court with a 9-15 record during the 2022-2023 season and were in last place in the WAC under first-year head coach Greg Heiar.