New Mexico

NMDOJ issues report on NMSU hazing case

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11 hours ago

on

December 20, 2024

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Press Room

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The New Mexico Department of Justice released a report on its investigation into alleged cases of sexual assault and hazing within the New Mexico State University men’s basketball program during the 2022-23 season.

The NMDOJ issued a report accusing the NMSU men’s basketball program of failing to protect student-athletes and having a “pervasive culture of misconduct,” leading to the cancellation of the season.

The report stems from an investigation into alleged hazing and sexual assault incidents within the NMSU men’s basketball program back then, which led to the cancellation of the season.

In April 2023, two players sued the school, players and coaches, accusing multiple players of sexually assaulting them multiple times over several months – and accusing the coaches of not stepping in. In November 2023, a grand jury indicted Deshawndre Washington, Kim Aiken Jr., and Doctor Bradley on criminal charges.

Bradley and Aiken each took a plea deal. Aiken agreed to testify against Washington as a part of his deal.

The NMDOJ blames the alleged assaults on an environment characterized by a toxic culture within the program. They allege people close to the team missed “opportunities to observe and intervene” and that student safety programs didn’t do enough “to deter or address this behavior.” They cited “lax oversight, inconsistent discipline, and inadequate preventative measures.”

“This report is intended to shine a light not only on the specific misconduct by members of NMSU’s basketball team but also the institutional deficiencies that allowed that misconduct to go unaddressed by leaders inside the university,” Attorney General Raúl Torrez said. “While NMSU has made commendable progress since these incidents occurred, more must be done to ensure accountability and prevent future harm.”

The NMDOJ called on NMSU to:

Develop written guidelines for collaborations between athletics, institutional equity office and the dean
Institute recurring Title IX and anti-hazing training for all students and staff
Enforce “disciplinary measures for student-athletes based on the severity of misconduct”
Strengthen standards for recruiting practices and coach and player vetting
Ensure senior leadership “prioritizes and adequately funds” safety initiatives and programming
Establish a center “dedicated to sexual violence education, prevention, and victim advocacy”

The NMDOJ is calling on the New Mexico Legislature to pass anti-hazing legislation. According to them, New Mexico is one of six states that lacks this.

They also identified seven critical areas of concern:

Institutional governance and student engagement
Policies
Reporting mechanisms
Training
Athletics Department culture and recruiting practices
Resources for sexual assault victims
Interdepartmental coordination.

You can read the full NMDOJ report here.

Here is the letter the NMDOJ sent to NMSU:

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New Mexico

New Mexico chipmunk listed as ‘endangered’ in southeast region – Ruidoso News

Published

19 hours ago

on

December 20, 2024

By

Press Room

New Mexico chipmunk listed as ‘endangered’ in southeast region – Ruidoso News

A Penasco least chipmunk is pictured. Jim Stuart /New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Adrian HeddenCarlsbad Current-Argusachedden@currentargus.com A chipmunk the federal government believed could go extinct in southeast New Mexico was given the highest level of protection, while land…

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New Mexico

Virginia Tech Football to Host New Mexico Transfer Attempting to Strengthen Secondary

Published

1 day ago

on

December 20, 2024

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Press Room

Virginia Tech Football to Host New Mexico Transfer Attempting to Strengthen Secondary

Ten days into the transfer prortal and its been all quiet for the Virginia Tech football team in terms of getting commitments. As far as players leaving Blacksburg for new schools for 2025, that has been a pipeline to the SEC.

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Just how bad are things right now for Hokies’ coach Brent Pry and his staff? Clemson and Dabo Swinney, who are at Texas on Saturday in the first round of the 12-team College Football Playoff have had two commitments at the time this article is being written. That’s rather eye-opening. To add insult to injury, in-state rival Virginia has had some key commitments through the portal.

There is still time for Virginia Tech to add some players and they will. Just who and how many remains to be seen, but yes, it’s concerning the returns so far compared to the subtractions. The Hokies picked up their first and only commitment to date Wednesday night when Clemson transfer Sherrod Covil, Jr. committed to bolster the secondary. This is a big in-state win as Pry brings home another Commonwealth player to finish his career in his home state. The Hokies will host another transfer this weekend and it should be considered a priority.

Virginia Tech to host New Mexico safety Christian Ellis

With the talent lost in the secondary in the portal, Virginia Tech will be hosting New Mexico transfer Christian Ellis, a safety who had 99 tackles and a pick for the Lobos this season. Virginia Tech offered Ellis on Dec. 17 according to his X account. He is an All-Mountain West defensive back.

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With Covil, Jr. already committed, Virginia Tech could use another commitment or two in the secondary, which makes Ellis a potential priority with other players committing to other schools. Arizona and Utah State are also reportedly in the mix for Ellis.