Embattled UNM coach faces investigation

Posted at: 09/30/2009 4:20 PM | Updated at: 09/30/2009 5:29 PM
By: Jeff Maher, Eyewitness News 4; Matthew Kappus, KOB.com

Mike Locksley

UNM head football coach Mike Locksley may face even more severe punishment for hitting one of his assistant coaches.

Locksley was initially going to be written up. But on Wednesday, school officials said they are launching an internal investigation which could lead to Locksley being suspended or even fired.

Earlier this week at a press conference, UNM Vice President of Athletics Paul Krebs said Locksley's scuffle was an isolated incident and that there would be no further discipline for Locksley beyond being written up and getting a verbal warning.

Under a morals provision of Locksley's contract, UNM can fire the coach if he is in violation.

UNM now says they are investigating the scuffle between Locksley and wide receivers coach JB Gerald and the Lobo head football coach could face bigger consequences.

The university says it does not tolerate any violence and the campus policy states any UNM employee could be suspended or fired for assaulting another person.

Two Sundays ago, Gerald filed a police report, telling officers that Locksley punched him in the mouth at a coaches meeting after the Lobos lost to Air Force. Gerald declined to press charges and remains on paid leave from the football program.

UNM and Locksley say the wide receivers coach is welcome back.

The incident remains the talk of the campus.

"I think he should be fired--most definitely," said UNM student Chad Willis. "Football team is not doing that well anyways, so it may do a favor in the long run."

Locksley is in the first year of a six-year contract. He makes $750,000 a year.

UNM President David Schmidly will be among a few UNM officials who will decide whether Locksley will face further disciplinary action.

Locksley has apologized for the incident and admits what he did was unacceptable.

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