What we know: Hazing probe underway in New Mexico State men's basketball program

Two days after abruptly suspending its men's basketball program, New Mexico State announced Sunday that the Aggies will not play another game this season while the university investigates allegations of hazing within the team.

"This action is clearly needed, especially after receiving additional facts and reviewing investigation reports related to the hazing allegations involving student-athletes on the team," university chancellor Dan Arvizu said in a statement released Sunday. "Hazing has no place on our campus, and those found responsible will be held accountable for their actions. We must uphold the safety of our students and the integrity of our university. It’s time for this program to reset."

A member of the team reported the hazing allegations to university police Feb. 10, according to a redacted incident report released by police Sunday.

As new information continues to emerge, here's the latest on where things stand with New Mexico State men's basketball.

What's known about the hazing accusation

An unidentified player went to police Feb. 10, stating he wanted to remain anonymous and didn't want to pursue criminal charges. The ongoing hazing incidents allegedly occurred in the men's basketball locker room at the Pan American Center and at away games, according to the police report. Three teammates were identified to police as being directly involved in the misconduct. Their names were redacted from the report. 

The player alleging abuse told police that the most recent hazing incident occurred Feb. 6. He said three teammates held him face down and removed his clothing. The players struck his buttocks and touched his genitals, according to the report. The player said he "had no choice but to let this happen because it's a 3 on 1 type of situation." He added that the abusive incidents usually occurred in front of the team and that no one intervened. 

Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

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A season in flux

In a letter to the campus community earlier in the weekend, Arvizu wrote that he made the decision to suspend the operation of New Mexico State's men's basketball program after learning of the allegations.

"The most important job I have as Chancellor of the NMSU System is to ensure our students are safe and protected from harm," the university's chancellor wrote. "That’s why I was so heartbroken and sickened to hear about these hazing allegations."

When the decision was made, the Aggies had already traveled to California for their scheduled game Saturday against Cal Baptist. The game was canceled, and the team's players were instead summoned back to campus, which is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and "interviewed by university personnel who are specially trained to conduct investigations into these kinds of matters," Arvizu said.

Members of the coaching staff, including first-year head coach Greg Heiar, were placed on paid administrative leave.

'A despicable act'

Arvizu called hazing a "despicable act."

"It humiliates and degrades someone and has the potential to cause physical and emotional harm, or even death," Arvizu wrote. "Sadly, hazing can become part of an organization’s culture, if left unchecked. NMSU policy strictly prohibits hazing, in all forms, and it’s something we simply will not tolerate."

Hazing can take a variety of forms, from forcing someone to perform demeaning acts to verbal abuse to sexual assault. 

According to research group StopHazing, a 2008 study found that 74% of student-athletes experienced at least one form of hazing while in college.

Two players leave team

Meanwhile, two Aggies players announced Saturday that they are leaving the team.

"Having served several years in the Israeli military, I was raised on the values of excellence, discipline, respect, reliability and accountability," freshman guard Shahar Lazar wrote in a post on social media. "However, in retrospect, I don't think the program that I originally committed to aligns with my beliefs and core values."

Kent Olewiler, a preferred walk-on who was not listed on the Aggies' official roster, wrote on Twitter: "My recruitment is officially 100% Open."

Neither player had appeared in a game this season.

What happens next?

On the court, the Aggies' season is over. Off the court, it's not clear whether the university's investigation will uncover any additional incidents of hazing beyond what has been reported to police.

The New Mexico State men's basketball program is also being examined as part of an unrelated investigation, stemming from a November shooting involving forward Mike Peake. Following a previous confrontation, Peake and a student at rival University of New Mexico exchanged gunshots, resulting in the latter's death.

Three of Peake's teammates then arrived on the scene, according to authorities, and left with the gun that Peake had fired, and his tablet. The items were later turned over to police by Aggies assistant coaches.

Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.