New Mexico State University (NMSU) has issued a statement regarding the suspension of its men’s basketball team.
An anonymous source told KRQE that the suspension was due to hazing issues within the team and they have now been confirmed by NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu.
"We took this action after receiving reports of alleged hazing incidents within our men’s basketball team," Arvizu said. "After receiving reports of alleged hazing incidents within the men's basketball team, the men's basketball program was suspended until further notice."
Arvizu said the team was in California for a game against Cal Baptist when they were informed of the decision.
“To ensure we fully understood this situation, we canceled that game, called the team back to Las Cruces and placed the coaching staff on paid administrative leave,” he said. “Once our student-athletes arrived on campus, they were met and interviewed by university personnel who are specially trained to conduct investigations into these kinds of matters. 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.”
Arvizu said that hazing is a despicable act that humiliates and degrades the victim.
“Sadly, hazing can become part of an organization’s culture, if left unchecked,” he said. “NMSU policy strictly prohibits hazing, in all forms, and it’s something we simply will not tolerate. 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."
