New Mexico State’s remaining basketball games this season will be ruled as forfeits, the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) announced on Monday.
WAC Commissioner Brian Thorton said in a statement this was the best solution given the circumstances:
“While there is no perfect solution to this unfortunate situation, I believe we landed in the right place. I applaud our Athletic Directors for working collaboratively with our staff to reach this decision.”
“We are in the midst of the best statistical season in the WAC’s history,” Thornton continued, “and we wanted to create the most equitable solution that did not unfairly advantage or disadvantage institutions that lost opportunities to improve their standing.
“Ultimately, every institution will maintain the ability to control their destiny based on the results of their remaining conference contests.”
The NCAA does not allow teams to reflect forfeits in their win-loss records, but the conference can use them to differentiate teams’ placements in the conference standings.
The Aggies had six conference games remaining, and each opponent (Cal Baptist, Abilene Christian, Texas-Rio Grande Valley, Grand Canyon, and Tarleton) has already been awarded conference wins for the forfeits.
University chancellor Dan Arvizu decided to “suspend operations indefinitely” and cancel the rest of the 2022-23 season on Friday night after a police report was submitted for alleged hazing by members of the team.
In the report, an unidentified player alleged that three teammates held him down and performed “criminal sexual acts” and had been engaging in similar behavior since last summer, according to ESPN.
The police report also alleges that these events occurred in front of the team.
Arvizu released a statement on the allegation on Saturday night that read, in part:
“Late yesterday, at my direction, New Mexico State University suspended operations for our men’s basketball program until further notice. We took this action after receiving reports of alleged hazing incidents within our men’s basketball team.”
“The most important job I have as Chancellor of the NMSU system is to ensure our students are safe and protected from harm. That’s why I was so heartbroken and sickened to hear about these hazing allegations … NMSU policy strictly prohibits hazing, in all forms, and it’s something we simply will not tolerate.”
The statement continued, “I realize many in our community have additional questions about these alleged incidents and about the future of the men’s basketball team. In the near term, team operations remain suspended until further notice. We will share additional information as we can going forward.”
The Aggies’ Saturday game against Cal Baptist was canceled as the school conducted an investigation through interviews with university personnel, and the coaching staff was put on administrative leave.
Following the investigation, Arvizu issued another statement reaffirming his decision, obtained by The Dallas Express.
“Today, I am announcing my decision to suspend operations for our men’s basketball program for the remainder of the season,” he said.
“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 hazing incident is the second criminal development involving the New Mexico State basketball team this season.
In November, forward Mike Peake was reportedly involved in a fatal shooting on the University of New Mexico campus after being attacked by students at the school.
Peake was suspended indefinitely following the incident.
Other than the future of the coaches, any other changes in the leadership of the New Mexico State athletic department would fall under the chancellor’s authority, according to the Las Cruces Sun-News.
Arvizu’s contract expires in June and is not expected to be renewed.