New Mexico State shuts down men's basketball program, sources cite hazing
Jason Groves
LAS CRUCES - Citing "new allegations" not related to the November shooting incident in Albuquerque that involved a New Mexico State men's basketball player, the university announced Friday that team operations would be shut down indefinitely and the coaching staff, including head coach Greg Heiar, were on administrative leave with pay.
"New Mexico State University is suspending operations for the men’s basketball program until further notice. NMSU personnel were recently informed of new allegations, separate from the events that took place in Albuquerque late last year, involving potential violations of university policy. While those allegations are being investigated, the men’s basketball coaching staff has been placed on paid administrative leave. The game scheduled for Feb. 11 against California Baptist will not be played," according to a New Mexico State press release.
Sources have confirmed to the Sun-News that the allegations are related to hazing. Stadium's Jeff Goodman was first to report alleged hazing within the Aggies program.
Watch:Police interview NM State men's basketball assistant coach Dominique Taylor
In an additional statement, the Board of Regents stated, "The New Mexico State University Board of Regents were informed this evening of the suspension of operations for the men’s basketball program. The board supports the action taken by the university leaders and is confident a full and thorough investigation will be conducted."
It was unclear if the new allegations are criminal in nature, but athletics administration or Aggies players were not suspended as of Friday evening.
More:New Mexico State basketball player Mike Peake suspended indefinitely
NM State Chancellor Dan Arvizu met with other university leaders on Friday to determine Friday's announcements. NM State told the Sun-News Friday's announcement is not related to Rodey Law Firm's investigation into the events surrounding the shooting in Albuquerque that involved basketball player Mike Peake and four University of New Mexico students.
According to an NMSU spokesperson, the basketball coaches and program were in California on Friday as the school tried to make travel arrangements to return to New Mexico.
Jason Groves can be reached at 575-541-5459 or jgroves@lcsun-news.com. Follow him on Twitter @jpgroves.
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