New Mexico State University has fired men’s head basketball coach Greg Heiar after an alleged hazing scandal was discovered within his program.
As reported by The Dallas Express, ESPN wrote that an unnamed player filed a report with campus police after teammates allegedly engaged in sexually abusive conduct in the locker room in front of the entire team. The report claimed, per ESPN, that the incident had not been the first, and similar incidents had occurred throughout the program since the summer.
University Chancellor Dan Arvizu announced his decision to suspend the rest of the season on Friday night after the allegations came to light.
As such, the team’s game against Cal Baptist was abruptly canceled, and the team and its staff members were interviewed by university personnel as part of the investigation.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Arvizu reaffirmed his decision on Sunday, citing new alleged findings from the investigation.
“Today, I am announcing my decision to suspend operations for our men’s basketball program for the remainder of the season,” his statement began.
“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.”
The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) moved quickly to find a solution for its remaining teams as the Aggies’ season ended with six conference matchups remaining unplayed.
Commissioner Brian Thornton announced Monday that those remaining games would count as forfeits, as reported by The Dallas Express, and each of the remaining opponents has added a conference win.
It is important to note that the NCAA does not recognize forfeits in a team’s overall record. Still, the conference can use them to help determine its conference standings and seeding for the postseason tournament.
Heiar and his staff had been placed on administrative leave by the university, and athletic director Mario Moccia officially fired him Tuesday.
Arvizu sent out a letter detailing the decision, which he also posted on Twitter.
“Earlier today, I made the decision to terminate men’s basketball coach Greg Heiar,” the letter began. “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.”
“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 thorough 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.”
He also mentioned that the university would only comment once the investigation has concluded.
The Dallas Express reached out but has yet to receive a response from the university and was told the WAC will not be commenting on the matter.