Recent investigations into the University of New Mexico football program and UNM Athletics could not definitively substantiate key allegations of wrongdoing, but the University is still taking action to address concerns in its findings.
The University of New Mexico announced Thursday that it will be suspending head football coach Bob Davie for a period of 30 days without pay. In addition to the suspension, it was announced that the Athletics Department would be required to receive mandatory Title IX and sensitivity training as some of the recommendations being implemented by an investigation.
Interim President Chaouki Abdallah said in a release that the recent investigations identified "blind spots" and violations of UNM policies. He said there will be an effort to change the culture of accountability.
"UNM will quickly implement changes and corrective action and will provide comprehensive training to all areas of the University," Abdallah said in a statement posted on the UNM Newsroom website. "I am committed to providing a safe campus, with fair processes for all, and look forward to ensuring that our policies and procedures are enforced and adhered to, and our culture supports all Lobos and the greater campus community."
The University had previously hired former federal judge Bruce Black to conduct an investigation into the practices of the UNM Athletics Department and later retained Hogan Marren Babbo & Rose to provide legal advice and counsel regarding some of those issues.
In the Hogan Report, the firm stated Black recommended it further investigate the matter of: alleged physical abuse of football players, including forcing student-athletes to play or practice while injured as well as whether or not the football program interfered or had improper involvement, with physical or sexual assault investigations surrounding its players.
The final report concluded the firm was not able to find any specific evidence to support the claims.
It was also stated in the report that because of the lack of supporting evidence, the firm determined that it was not necessary to interview Davie at all regarding those issues.
The Office of Equal Opportunity also released its final report regarding several allegations — some of which included a culture in which the N-word was used toward student-athletes by coaches, players were treated differently based on race, members of the team were subjected to both verbal and physical abuse.
The timing of the University's announcement that Davie will be suspended coincidentally occurred the day after Thursday's National Letter of Intent signing day. It has not been announced when Davie will begin serving his suspension, but that announcement could be coming soon, as the team is set to begin spring practice on Friday.
Robert Maler is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers basketball, football and tennis. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Robert_Maler.
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