by The state of New Mexico has abruptly suspended operations of its men’s basketball program while it investigates possible unspecified violations of university policy, the school said in a statement late Friday.
The school said its next scheduled game against California Baptist on Saturday will not be played, and its men’s basketball coaching staff, including first-year head coach Greg Heiar, has been placed on paid administrative leave.
“NMSU personnel were recently made aware of new allegations, separate from events that occurred in Albuquerque late last year, involving potential violations of university policy,” the state of New Mexico said in the statement provided by a university spokesperson, Justin Bannister.
The statement appears to refer to the shooting in Albuquerque last year that involved Aggies forward Mike Peake.
The New Mexico State University Board of Regents said in a statement that it was informed of the suspension Friday night.
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“The board supports the action taken by university leaders and is confident that a full and thorough investigation will be conducted,” the board said.
Bannister did not immediately respond to a follow-up email from USA TODAY Sports asking whether the decision to suspend operations was made by the athletic department or at the college level.
The Aggies are 9-15 this year and bottom of the Western Athletic Conference.
Contributing: Jason Groves, Las Cruces Sun-News
