New Mexico State has fired first-year men’s basketball coach Greg Heiar as the school investigates hazing allegations within the program, the school announced. Here’s what you need to know:
- The university placed the coaching staff on paid administrative leave on Feb. 11 after receiving reports of alleged hazing incidents within the team.
- New Mexico State canceled the remainder of the Aggies’ 2022-23 season on Feb. 12, two days after suspending operations for the program indefinitely.
- Heiar joined the Aggies in March 2022 to replace Chris Jans, who left to coach Mississippi State. The Aggies went 9-15 before having their season canceled.
What they are saying
New Mexico State University Chancellor Dan E. Arvizu issued the following letter announcing the school’s decision:
“Dear members of our NMSU Community:
Earlier today, I made the decision to terminate men’s basketball coach Greg Heiar. Director of Athletics Mario Moccia informed him of my decision this afternoon. This comes after learning of hazing allegations involving student-athletes on our men’s basketball team.
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“As I’ve stated previously, hazing has no place on our campus, and those found responsible will be held accountable for their actions. I am committed to the safety and well-being of all members of our campus community, as well as to the integrity of our university.
“Through an expansive review and full investigation, we will work to ensure we fully understand what happened here, and that those found responsible are held accountable. We will also ensure that support systems are in place to prevent this from happening again. Any further decisions regarding the remainder of the coaching staff will be made after additional investigations are concluded.”
Backstory
Arvizu said in a letter to the NMSU community on Feb. 10 that men’s basketball players were interviewed by university personnel relating to the alleged hazing incidents. Players and coaches were called back to Las Cruces, N.M., from California, where they were preparing to play Cal Baptist, Arvizu said. Players were interviewed by school personnel “who are specially trained to conduct investigations into these kinds of matters.”
The decision to cancel the rest of the season was “clearly needed, especially after receiving additional facts and reviewing investigation reports related to the hazing allegations involving student-athletes on the team,” Arvizu said.
“Hazing has no place on our campus, and those found responsible will be held accountable for their actions,” Arvizu said in a Feb. 12 statement. “We must uphold the safety of our students and the integrity of our university. It’s time for this program to reset.”
WAC commissioner Brian Thornton said on Twitter that his “heart aches for the young man tied to these hazing allegations.”
Required reading
(Photo: Thurman James / Cal Sport Media via AP Images)