BasketballConference USAWAC

The rest of New Mexico State’s season has been cancelled

In an unsurprising end to a disaster season, New Mexico State‘s program has been shut down and the remaining games have been cancelled. The late Sunday news dump came just two days after the school announced that the men’s basketball operations were pausing due to an internal investigation. The Aggies finish in last place in the WAC at 9-15 (2-10).

On Sunday, a police report filed by an unnamed NMSU player was released that accuses fellow players of false imprisonment, harassment and criminal sexual contact in what is being deemed a hazing situation. NMSU chancellor Dan Arvizu released the following statement:

“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. 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.”

This is just the latest off-court scandal to hit the program. Back in December, a situation between NMSU and UNM students escalated to a shootout that left Aggies’ starting PF Mike Peake shot, one UNM student dead and three more in police custody. First-year head coach Greg Heiar and his staff were less than cooperative with police, after other players were captured on video helping Peake stash the gun used during the altercation. Heiar and his staff remain employed as of this writing but have been on paid administrative leave since Friday.

Heiar was named head coach in March 2022 after one season at Northwest Florida State, where he won the NCJAA D-I National Championship. He had never been a D-I head coach, but had worked on staff at LSU, Wichita State, Southern Miss and East Tennessee State. The Aggies had won four WAC titles and went to three NCAA Tournaments in five years under Chris Jans, who left for Mississippi State after last season.

The tumble to last place might be enough to put Heiar on the hot seat even without the off-court stuff, but now it seems impossible that he remains with the program.

 

credit to New Mexico State Athletics for the image