New Mexico State Fires Men's Basketball Coach Greg Heiar: Controversy Explained

On Tuesday, Greg Heiar was let go as the head coach at New Mexico State. A few days prior, the men’s basketball team’s season had been terminated by New Mexico State. The university is looking into claims of hazing on the squad right now.

New Mexico State Fires Men’s Basketball Coach Greg Heiar: Controversy Explained

The statement that Heiar has been let go was issued on Tuesday (February 14) by New Mexico State Chancellor Dan Arvizu. While the university conducts its inquiry, the remaining members of Heiar’s coaching staff will continue to be on paid administrative leave.

"People say a NMSU basketball player shot a student. That's not gonna go over well in front of 15K people." – This from Greg Heiar's interview with police the morning after the shooting. There's hours of footage we're currently reviewing.

MORE: https://t.co/T8u89Bc62E pic.twitter.com/RqgzyTl2Mw

— Colin Deaver (@ColinDeaverTV) December 7, 2022

Dan Arvizu, the chancellor of the New Mexico State University system, made the announcement in a letter addressed to the school community. Arvizu said athletic director Mario Moccia informed Heiar of the decision Tuesday afternoon.

“As I’ve stated previously, hazing has no place on our campus, and those found responsible will be held accountable for their actions,” Arvizu wrote in the letter. “I am committed to the safety and well-being of all members of our campus community, as well as to the integrity of our university.”

Arvizu said the university “will work to ensure we fully understand what happened here” through an “expansive review and full investigation.”

“We will also ensure that support systems are in place to prevent this from happening again,” Arvizu continued.

New Mexico State is still in last place in the WAC, but they looked better the last 2 games than they have all year in 2 wins.

Greg Heiar after tonight's Seattle win on what's changed: "They're playing for each other instead of for themselves. That's easy to say, hard to do." pic.twitter.com/a8L448QZH8

— Colin Deaver (@ColinDeaverTV) February 5, 2023

Campus police received an allegation from a current New Mexico State basketball player, which led to Greg Heiar being first placed on paid administrative leave. Three of the athlete’s teammates are accused of false imprisonment, harassment, and many instances of criminal sexual contact with the anonymous player.

According to the allegation, the victim was sexually harassed on February 6 by three of his teammates. His clothing was taken off, revealing his bottom, which was mercilessly smacked. The claimed event is not brand-new; it has apparently been occurring in the locker room and on the road since last July.

ICYMI: Video captures NMSU head coach Greg Heiar – when he was first hired – telling his team to "give him a chance and he will change their lives." Colin Deaver has more: pic.twitter.com/Cbk5vzFs7k

— Natassia Paloma Thompson (@NatassiaPaloma) February 15, 2023

The hazing claims against New Mexico State basketball were not the team’s first controversy this year. Mike Peake, a forward for the Aggies, took part in the shooting that murdered a student from New Mexico in November. Peake’s suspension from the squad remains in effect, and the inquiry is still open.

The coaching staff is now the subject of an investigation by New Mexico State and the district attorney’s office in Albuquerque. They were supposedly in possession of many significant pieces of evidence, including the shooting victim’s pistol.

Greg Heiar has been terminated as the head coach at NMSU. There is a press conference at 10 am

— Jason Groves (@JPGroves) February 15, 2023

Even in the midst of the police inquiry, Coach Heiar made the puzzling choice to order the whole squad and coaching staff to depart. Even though they were requested to stay and provide some information, three players who were with Peake at the time of the event also fled.