New Mexico State University is suspending its men’s basketball schedule indefinitely following unspecified allegations involving the coaching staff.
According to a university statement shared via Colin Deaver of KTSM in El Paso, Texas, the allegations are not related to an incident Nov. 19 in which a New Mexico State player was involved in a fatal shooting near a residence hall at the University of New Mexico. Investigators say NMSU player Mike Peake shot and killed New Mexico student Brandon Travis. According to the initial report, Travis and three other students “lured” Peake to the campus with the intent to assault him. Peake was identified as the “victim” in the case and did not face charges.
Peake was also shot in the incident. The junior has been suspended from the team.
The shooting led to the cancellation of the Nov. 19 game between New Mexico State and New Mexico.
Friday’s statement by the university notes that “NMSU personnel were recently informed of new allegations, separate from the events that took place in Albuquerque late last year, involving violations of university policy. While those allegations are being investigated, the men’s basketball coaching has been placed on paid administrative leave.”
From New Mexico State official: the program has suspended operations indefinitely based on "new allegations." Here's the statement. It has nothing to do with what happened in Albuquerque; completely separate incident, allegations. Coaches have been placed on administrative leave. pic.twitter.com/MXDy5NcEDV
— Colin Deaver (@ColinDeaverTV) February 11, 2023
A New Mexico State Police report in early December claimed that NMSU Assistant Coach Dominique Taylor has taken possession of the gun allegedly used by Peake in the shooting. At that time, NMSU announced it was bringing in an outside investigator.
New Mexico State is 9-15 this season, after going 27-7 last year and advancing to the NCAA Tournament second round.
[Colin Deaver, KTSM; KRQE.com]
