Former NMSU Basketball Players Face Criminal Charges in Hazing Investigation
Three former New Mexico State University men's basketball players have been charged with felony sex crimes in connection with hazing incidents that occurred in 2022. The players are accused of forcefully restraining victims and violating them, including grabbing their genital areas. The charges include criminal sexual penetration, criminal sexual contact, false imprisonment, and conspiracy. The university's men's basketball season was shut down earlier this year due to hazing allegations, and the former coach was fired. The university previously settled a lawsuit brought by two players who said they were sexually assaulted by teammates. Another incident involved a former player's involvement in a shooting death. A separate lawsuit has been filed by another former player and two others, alleging sexual assault and the presence of guns among basketball players.
