Lobos linebacker Evah Tohi has been suspended for a violation of team rules after an altercation with a teammate over the weekend, according to a report from KOB 4 that was confirmed by the team.
According to KOB’s sources, the altercation was a violent fight that left the unnamed teammate in the hospital.
Tohi currently leads the Lobos in tackles with 57 and has been the player to fill in the gap left by Alex Hart’s season-ending knee injury against New Mexico State.
“I was made aware of an incident that happened Saturday night involving two of our student-athletes,” head coach Bob Davie told KOB in a statement. “Although all the details are still being gathered, I think it’s appropriate at this time to suspend Evah Tohi from all team activities. The University will continue to work through proper procedures and once the process is completed, appropriate action will be taken.”
Tohi, as well as the teammate, will miss at least this Saturday's game against San Diego State as the altercation is investigated by UNM.
Taking Tohi’s place will be Brandon Shook, a redshirt sophomore with 11 tackles, two for a loss, one sack and two forced fumbles this season.
Shook has seen the field in every game this season, and had his best statistical game against University of the Incarnate Word, when he recorded three tackles and forced a fumble.
Tohi is in his third season at UNM, and has already recorded more tackles this season than in his career before this year. Originally from Phoenix, he played a season at Glendale Community College before committing to UNM.
Prior to Glendale, he played his high school football at North Canyon High School. Two weeks ago, he was named to the 2018 watch list for Polynesian College Football Player of the Year.
According to the Albuquerque Journal, the injured teammate is a friend of Tohi’s who doesn't see much playing time. A source told KOB that the teammate was a patient at UNM Hospital, but the hospital would not confirm.
KOB said on Wednesday that the unnamed player is recovering from head injuries.
"We've got two good kids that are friends, that get in an altercation of some form, and you know, it's harmful to everybody,” Davie told media on Wednesday after practice.
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This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Cameron Goeldner is a sports beat reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers men’s soccer, women’s basketball, softball and the Albuquerque Isotopes, but also contributes content for baseball, basketball, football and track and field. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @goeldfinger.
