The University of New Mexico is currently investigating a possible assault involving at least two members of its college basketball program. Names have not yet been released to the public.
However, the alleged victim already acquired legal counsel to assist with the continuation of this matter.
Richard Pitino, son of Rick Pitino, is the head coach at UNM. The Lobos are currently 6-2 through their first eight games. They lost to Arizona State by three and beat USC by 10 during the Acrisure Classic in Palm Springs last week. Per KOB 4, that is where the incident supposedly reached its boiling point.
An unnamed walk-on player claims he was clocked by a scholarship player on the short flight from Albuquerque to Southern California. The scholarship player started an argument with the walk-on over where he was sitting. It quickly turned physical and at least one punch was thrown while on the plane.
According to the victim, he took a second punch from the same assailant upon arrival to the team hotel. One or both of the punches connected with the walk-on’s already-injured shoulder. He was wearing a sling at the time because of a prior injury and had to be treated at a hospital in Albuquerque upon arrival back home.
The New Mexico coaching staff allegedly failed to address the incident when the walk-on expressed his concerns. It is unclear if Pitino was aware of what happened while in Palm Springs but he certainly is now.
The university, which is choosing not to name any names right now, issued the following statement:
The University of New Mexico takes the safety and well-being of all our students very seriously. We are aware of an alleged incident involving members of our men’s basketball team and are carefully reviewing and assessing all of the facts. We are following all appropriate protocols and procedures in addressing this situation and are committed to addressing any misconduct appropriately. Due to federal student privacy laws, specifically the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we cannot disclose specific details or comment further on individual student matters.
— UNM spokesperson
To add another wrinkle to this ongoing investigation, New Mexico formally introduced a new athletic director on Monday. His first day on the job involved an alleged assault with the basketball program.
In the meantime, the Lobos will continue their college basketball season on Wednesday night. All of the players involved with the investigation will be allowed to play — for now.