Following hazing allegations that had prompted New Mexico State to suspend play for the men’s basketball team last week, the university has canceled the rest of the season.
“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,” chancellor of the New Mexico State University system Dan Arvizu said in a statement.
“Hazing has no place on our campus, and those found responsible will be held accountable for their actions. We must uphold the safety of our students and the integrity of our university. It’s time for this program to reset. I have spoken with Western Athletic Conference Commissioner Brian Thornton earlier today and informed him of this decision.”
Arvizu confirmed that the decision was made due to hazing allegations within the program.
First-year coach Greg Heiar and his staff were placed on paid administrative leave Friday, when the university announced that Saturday’s game at Cal Baptist had been canceled and that the season had been suspended.
Per the university’s statement, the latest allegations are not related to an incident that took place in the early hours of Nov. 19 when the Aggies had traveled to play New Mexico. New Mexico State player Mike Peake was involved in a shootout with a New Mexico student on UNM’s Albuquerque campus, according to police.
Per the police report, four New Mexico students lured Peake to campus, and he was shot in the leg in an altercation. Peake reportedly had brought a gun with him and fired back, killing a 19-year-old student.
Peake was indefinitely suspended from the team during an investigation.
The Aggies are in last place in the WAC with a 2-10 league record, 9-15 overall.
–Field Level Media