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Transfer request reluctantly granted

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By Isaac Avilucea | New Mexico Daily Lobo
Last updated: 12/06/09 11:21pm

All Adam Watson wanted for Christmas was his transfer release from the Lobo football team.

Until Sunday, Watson’s wish was in jeopardy of not being granted.

The former UNM freshman wide receiver, who redshirted this year, was earlier reported to be transferring to play football at another school.

The school Watson had his heart set on, Southern Methodist University, is conveniently located about two hours from his hometown, said Watson’s mother, Yvette Frazier.

She said she tried to explain that to Locksley in a phone conversation on Friday, but had no success, even though she said Locksley had previously agreed to release Watson to SMU.

“He was just brushing me off and just real rude,” she said. “First of all, Adam is homesick, which is understandable for a freshman. He’s just not happy there. He doesn’t want to be up under Locks.”

When he was contacted by the Daily Lobo on Sunday, Locksley had a change of heart.
“I will release him to wherever he wants to go,” Locksley said. “I don’t want to stop the kid from going home at all. Right now, I don’t even want to deal with it. He can go play with New Mexico State if he wants to.”

Under NCAA bylaws, Locksley isn’t required to grant players permission to attend a school he doesn’t sign off on, but usually coaches don’t hold players to commitments should they not want to remain with a program.

As of Sunday, Locksley said he hadn’t called Frazier to inform her of his decision to grant Watson his release to SMU.

“I was told she didn’t want to talk to me about it anymore,” he said, before adding that someone from Athletics will likely call her on Monday to relay the news.

In a meeting on Nov. 16, Watson alerted Locksley of his plans to transfer at the conclusion of the season.

Locksley said he requested a list of schools to which Watson wanted to transfer, which Watson gave him in a meeting on Nov. 29, Locksley said.

Among the schools listed were SMU, Lamar, Texas Southern University, Prairie View and Baylor.

Watson said he also put University of Houston down as a possibility — a school Locksley said was not included in the list he received.

Previously, Frazier said Locksley had verbally agreed to allow Watson to attend SMU, but Locksley soon reneged on his promise because he was in negotiations to add that opponent to the Lobos’ future schedule.

“My biggest thing is I feel Coach Locks isn’t being honest,” Frazier said. “I don’t think he was being fair, and I just don’t think he’s a good leader for my child.”
Locksley countered, saying that he made it explicitly clear to both Watson and his mother that wasn’t the case.

“I didn’t double back on my promise,” Locksley said. “He was aware, his mom was aware, from Day One if it was a school that we play, then he wouldn’t be released to them or a school that we intend to play.”

Explaining his reservations, Locksley said that he was apprehensive to release Watson to SMU for the reasons Frazier detailed, and that it’s not uncommon for coaches to refuse to release former players to prospective opponents.

“That’s the practice,” he said. “You don’t send out blanket releases. If it’s a team we’re going to play or we have intentions to play, typically I’m a little nervous about releasing him.”

Watson said that he wants to be closer to home, but the fallout between Locksley and former wide receivers coach J.B. Gerald, whom Locksley is accused of punching and choking during an altercation on Sept. 20, had an impact on Watson’s decision to leave.
“It really is a big factor with me and J.B. — with him leaving the team,” Watson said. “It hit me hard. It’s been hard for me trying to deal with it. No disrespect to coach (Aaron) Moorehead — he’s a great coach, but J.B. was like a father to me.”

After discussing the matter with Athletics Director Paul Krebs in a meeting on Friday — the same day Frazier said she called Krebs — Locksley said he considers the matter resolved.

Published December 6, 2009 in Football, Sports

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76 comments

And the FALLOUT BEGINS!

December 7, 2009 at 1:12 AM
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Since when has SMU been a possible future opponent of UNM? Another freshman leaving LOCKS! Of course the first two are explained as one freshman incurring a head injury and no longer pursuing a college football career and the other freshman is transferring to a 1-AA program for more playing time and NOW Redshirt Freshman “Adam Watson” has to go public with his request to no longer be a part of UNM Football because Locksley is again more concerned with how ANOTHER FRESHMAN football player leaving the program reflects on him and the fallout from his poor decisions and actions. While it is nice to infer that Adam is “homesick” and just really wants to go home to Momma . . .THE TRUTH is that ADAM & ADAM’s MOMMA want no future time wasted in their live’s with Mike Locksley and UNM Football. For Locksley to respond that Adam can now “go and play for New Mexico State if he wants to” , which is a team that UNM PLAYS EVERY YEAR!!!!! tells me that OL’ MIKEY is grandstanding and posturing again!! ANY NEW PRESS RELEASES MIKEY ABOUT QUALITY RECRUITS COMMITTED TO THE LOBO FOOTBALL PROGRAM? NO? I’m not surprised and neither is anyone else! We need you to go over to your D.C. roots and get some recruits . . .but, you can’t do that either now!
Adam will get a much better education at SMU, not to mention a better well rounded institution of quality administrators to help lead him into adulthood and make good choices.
I have already heard Locksley make comments about how assistant coaches at all programs leave this time of the year and at all college football programs . . .problem is those assistant coaches at the other college programs won’t be leaving because the head coach might choke them or throw an invisible punch that lands!
El Mongo Jerry!!! where are you b*tch? Come and defend your BOY!

Hador

December 7, 2009 at 8:47 AM
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What is the big deal? Stuff like that happens all around the country. I’m willing to bet that 90% of all transfers don’t end with the player and the coach being best friends. If they were, most likely there would not be a transfer.

It’s also hardly surprising that Locksley didn’t want to release Watson to a future opponent. Coaches often worry about that kind of stuff.

Read more …

Seriously I’m not the biggest Locksley fan myself, but the lengths some people will go to try and make him look bad are amazing…

Adrian

December 7, 2009 at 9:00 AM
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I’m tired of read all the time, this is ONLY Locksley fault. I’m a football coach as well, and it’s hard for you as a Coach, when you Recruit a kid, give them an opportunity to a Div 1 education, and suddenly they walk off, let’s not forget a case we had with RL, Amadeus Waters, the kid never had an offer from any other school, only UNM, do you guys remember what he did? He leave the team to the CSU, he was a great RB, he waited the year to play, the next year the had an ACL injury, and now is a DB in CSU. Do you remember hometown Mike Love, and so much more, this is not the NEW HC of the Lobos.

This is kid, NOW wants to go, had a Father image on a guy of 26 yrs old, that his answer when he screwed up and didn’t did his job was DON’T TALK TO ME LIKE THAT, EITHER MY MOM TALK TO ME IN THAT WAY… wow, whatta role model for OUR WR Dept. let’s not forget Locksley gave the opportunity to JB in all over the places he coached before.

Read more …

It is ONLY Locksley fault? He’s not a SAINT I bet that, but if it’s there no more rain the next year in the UNM is also Lockely fault?

Do you remember the problems we had in the UNM losing 5 scholarships because former RL Coaches cheat on the system? and RL was never aware of it? Oh boy, watta leader we had, that he didn’t even know what his Staff was involved… CLAP CLAP CLAP… Like an old saying says…

Everybody want to chop wood from the fallen tree.

Jane

December 7, 2009 at 9:38 AM
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In response to Adrian:

Since when does age define a father image? 27 year old JB helped recruit Watson and most great coaches develop a deep relationship with their players that most people do not see. Did you notice the statement from Watson’s mother, “I just don’t think he’s (Locksley) a good leader for my child.” Obviously there are things we as the public do not see because we are not in the lockeroom, at their meetings, or at practices. For a mother to make that statment she apparently knows more than we do and has more insight to what happens on the “inside” seeing as she has a child there.

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Yes, Locksley did give JB an opportunity at Illinois and here at UNM, and?? What that says to me is that coach JB must have been doing something right and is a great coach and worthy of the opportunity. He worked under one of the greatest college football coaches ever, Joe Paterno and for a player to say that JB was like a father to him says a whole lot.

Lastly, to your statement about “when he screwed up and didn’t did his job was DON’T TALK TO ME LIKE THAT, EITHER MY MOM TALK TO ME IN THAT WAY… wow, whatta role model for OUR WR Dept” you have clearly fallen into believing everything that is put out by the Locksley and the University to make coach JB look bad. When reading the handwritten notes that were released not one of the other coaches present in that room stated that was said. All we can say is that is hearsay, how silly of you to even quote that! Lets stick to some hard facts, not to everything that the University feeds you, lets not forget they “bungled” the investigation and destroyed documents.

Wylie Coyote

December 7, 2009 at 9:40 AM
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Great story Isaac!!!

This has never happened at any other University. Usually, when a player transfers the Coaches pack the players belongings, given them some snacks for the trip along with a 1-way ticket and then call to check up on them to make sure they are happy at their new location.

Read more …

What Locksley has done here is unheard of. In fact I bet if you actually did some background research you would find that at none of the other Division 1 football programs this sort of thing has ever happened.

Great stuff Isaac!!! I am hoping that you will keep up your heat on Coach Locksley. Perhaps you can find out some more on this bit of info, I heard a rumor that Coach Locksley is not a fan of NM red chili. I can’t wait to read the results of your investigation!

Joe

December 7, 2009 at 9:44 AM
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Isaac Avilucea just doesn’t like sports or Locks.. That dude needs to get a life.

LOOSER!

Jamal

December 7, 2009 at 10:13 AM
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Good job Isaac! Keep up the great work! We all know all of the stupid comments are probably from Locksly himself! LOL

Avilucea is a loser

December 7, 2009 at 10:25 AM
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There are many mant instances where guys want to transfer and coaches either say no, or put restrictions on transfers. Locks is recruiting right now, he will deal with it when he wants to… is it needed that he gets his transfer immdeiately?? NO, he is still in classes, or should be.

Let the PR rain down!

December 7, 2009 at 10:48 AM
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Don’t you really mean “After discussing the matter with Athletics Director Paul Krebs AND KATHLEEN HESSERT of “Sports Media Challenge” on Friday”…….

Happens all the time

December 7, 2009 at 10:54 AM
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Oh yeah! This stuff is no big deal! Right! That is exactly what the Public relations people at the University want the mass public to believe! IT IS SIMPLY PR SPIN being written on this board! Where are all of Locksley’s recruit committments??
Where? THREE FRESHMAN FOOTBALL PLAYERS HAVE QUIT , One states specifically because of Locksley.
When the assistant coaches leave will that be “spun” as normal and happens all the time! Sure it will.
Why can’t Locksley actually perform for his pay. . .where are the recruits?

Locksley is a disgrace!

December 7, 2009 at 10:58 AM
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What a bunch of BS! Locksley you are a liability to everything! Shut your trap and do your job ! Everything that spews from your mouth is arrogant self-serving garbage full of contradictions!

Let me get this right

December 7, 2009 at 11:03 AM
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Isaac has to call Locksley about this kid no longer wanting to play for Locksley in order for Locksley to give the kid his release. SMU? Are you kidding me? Have we ever played SMU? Locksley just resign you moron , you’re not going to accomplish anything at UNM accept your paycheck as long as Krebs defends his hire.

Hador

December 7, 2009 at 11:05 AM
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@happens all the time

Just for fun, why don’t you look up how many freshmen players transferred out each year under Rocky? You might be in for a surprise…

Read more …

Like I said, I am not a big fan of Locksley myself, but to get all worked up because a player decides to transfer and the coach isn’t happy about it is simply stupid.

Sign up now to FIRE LOCKS!

December 7, 2009 at 11:17 AM
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WINLESS
FIRE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEAD FOOTBALL COACH MIKE LOCKSLEY BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!
FANS OF LOBO FOOTBALL, UNITE!

VIST OUR FORUMS AND SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK!
http://fire-mike-locksley.com
MIKE LOCKSLEY IS IN OVER HIS HEAD

Read more …

• New Mexico finished the season 1-11, its worst record since the 1980’s. Many of those losses were blowouts.
• Coach Locksley admitted striking an assistant coach during a “physical altercation”.
• As of 10-10-09, Locksley had been blown out in 5 out of 6 games.
• Loss at home to undermanned and less talented NMSU squad.
• Poor leadership and example for student athletes — physical violence in the workplace.
• Talented recruiting class not yet in the works, despite Locksley’s supposed expertise as recruiter.
• Rapid decline in football game attendance, and general apathy toward program under Locksley.
• Segment by ESPN Outside the Lines alleges cover up and previous anger management issues.
________________________________________

Despite big promises and big words, University of New Mexico Lobo head football coach Mike Locksley delivered only a single victory in 2009, at a cost of $750,000 to the taxpayers of New Mexico. That’s right, $750,000 per victory — what a bargain. The Lobos finished near the bottom of the NCAA in most important offensive and defensive statistical categories — so much for Locksley’s bragging assertion that another number would need to be added to the scoreboard — if it was needed, it was needed on the opposing team’s side this year. Coach Locksley was hit with an EEOC complaint earlier in 2009 that has now been settled, with his former employee being given a newly created, higher-paying position, back pay, lifetime season tickets to UNM sporting events, and an undisclosed, behind the scenes settlement. Coach Mike Locksley has admitted to striking assistant coach J.B. Gerald in a “physical altercation”, and it appears possible that this incident may result in a lawsuit against UNM, as Coach Gerald has opted to leave the team, and retain an attorney. Locksley has also failed to land the recruits he could supposedly deliver, losing two of his top three recruits in 2009 to their failure to qualify. Another one of Locksley’s highly touted recruits briefly left the program and returned because of the controversy surrounding the gerald situation.

The University of New Mexico pays Coach Mike Locksley $750,000 annually, or approximately $14,423.08 per week. Has Coach Mike Locksley done anything to demonstrate that he is qualified to be a head football coach at this level? Is Mike Locksley representative of the values of the University of New Mexico Lobos, or the state of New Mexico? Does he really deserve this kind of money, based on performance, or should the University of New Mexico have terminated him for cause when they had the opportunity to do so? We feel the answer is a resounding “yes”, based on his record, performance, and behavior. Mike Locksley was a very bad hire.

The taxpayers of New Mexico and fans of University of New Mexico Lobo football deserve more coaching and more integrity for their money. It is time to recognize the mistake made by Paul Krebs in hiring Coach Locksley, and sever ties with Coach Locksley, before the program suffers irreparable damage. New Mexico Lobo football cannot survive 5 more years of Mike Locksley, and this style of management, or lack of coaching ability. Our student athletes deserve better leadership.

Locksley questioned

December 7, 2009 at 11:19 AM
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What has Locksley accomplished since he was named the head coach? Nothing positive unless you call avoiding a winless season with a 1-11 record postive. All D-1 football programs have the type of problems that UNM has with Locksley? NO THEY DON’T! because they would have fired this idiot!
Accountability?? Where?? Not here at University of NO COMMENT!

UNM Student

December 7, 2009 at 11:22 AM
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Locksley has to GO!!! Now that the season has ended the student athletes are voicing their disappointment in Locksley’s juvenile behavior and lack of leadership:

Fbteammember:
Now that our season ,if you wanna call it that?, is over I want to tell everyone that most of our football team has no respect for Coach Locks and we wish that someone do something to get rid of him. Most of our assistant coaches will probably leave UNM. I know I wish I would not have chosen UNM to play football at but, I’m stuck unless I want to sit out a year and transfer so I will try an make the best of it and get my degree. I just don’t understand why my head coach would be able to do what he has admitted to doing and still be allowed to lead us as young men? You can’t imagine how defeated I feel for next season too. I am not alone about my feelings. It’s hard to get excited at the thought of another season of Coach Locks.

Read more …

depth chart starter:
I do not have a father and I play on this same Lobo football team as your son . I have played competive football since I was 7 years old I come from a poor family and without my football scholarship I would not get my college education.
I am sick of Coach Locks , his BS and the fact that I play on a team where parents like you should be calling for him to be fired also. I’m pretty sure that I would know you if we saw each other personally but, you have no idea what is said on the practice field , the game field and in the dorms by this football team and it’s players. I have been embarrassed on and off the field to be associeted with Coach Locks as my head coach since he hit Coach Gerald. Maybe you are one of those parents that can’t think beyond to what a joke it is to have other players from other teams tease you about your school , coach and win-loss record . We didn’t give up on Coach Locks he gave up on us. We played hard for each other. I know I will now work really hard in the off season to get more credits towards my degree because if I didn’t need my scholarship I would quit the football team right now and I am a starter. I think that Coach Locks is sorry but, I know he doesn’t realy care about me or other players we are like farm animals to him. I hope your son can have sucess playing here at UNM but, I am here to tell you that Coach Locks does not have what it takes to be a head coach at this level of football .He talks a good game to us but he does not have leadrship skills. I am glad that I am not his son or yours.

This Locksley guy

December 7, 2009 at 11:24 AM
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Man! This Locksley guy has got to be Krebs hero “ala Woody Hayes” punching a player from the opposing team and Krebs got his understudy at OHIO STATE! Hey Krebs they fired WOODY! Remember! Oh! you’ve never heard of it?

Concerned parent

December 7, 2009 at 11:26 AM
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Go Yvette Frazier!! As a mother myself, you have to do what you have to do to protect your child. Get your son away from this idiot! What respectable leader would say “I don’t even want to deal with it. He can go play with New Mexico State if he wants to.”

Policy misapplied

December 7, 2009 at 11:27 AM
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Get the picture yet boys? You are no longer wanted or needed to lie to us anymore or produce 1-11 football seasons. As they say in the District of Columbia hood. . .get the f**k out!

Buster Douglas

December 7, 2009 at 11:32 AM
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Every college football program has an idiot head football coach who disrespects their administrative staffs , hit their assistant coaches , produce 1-11 football season records, get suspended, have to go to anger management classes and have their recruits publically state through the University newspaper “I don’t want to play for you” ….Happens everywhere!

Stupid from UNM

December 7, 2009 at 11:34 AM
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Hey, I believe all that Locksley, Krebs, Schmidly, and Gonzales say . . .call me stupid!

UNM Staff

December 7, 2009 at 11:34 AM
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ATTENTION ALL BLOGGERS: I know for a fact that Locksley spends his FAT day’s reading blogs and blogging; now that the season is finished the sociopath has more time. Ha, Ha, Ha!

Where are the recruits

December 7, 2009 at 11:38 AM
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Where are the recruits? Where? Locksley is supposed to be this recruiting genius. . .where are the committments? January you say ? National Day for intent to committ? currently UNM is a -3 . . .you can’t count the three verbals from before Locksley choked and punched Gerald.

NO BIG DEAL

December 7, 2009 at 11:45 AM
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The whole thing is overblown! We should all just be satisfied with the story that Krebs, Schmidly, and Gonzales have given us and understand that they know what is best. Locksley is a great football coach that has never accomplished anything as a head football coach except shame and disgrace for the University of New Mexico!

frequent flyer

December 7, 2009 at 11:49 AM
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You say Locksley’s recruiting ? My question is do the taxpayers of New Mexico have to pay for the two seats on an airplane that Locksley has to purchase in order to fly? and someone needs to do a “per diem” audit of Locksley’s eating habits how much money is being spent on that belly?

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