What UNM Should Have Done About The Mike Locksley Altercation

Posted at: 10/01/2009 1:55 PM
By: J.P. Murrieta

Let’s review.  In a police report, UNM wide receivers coach J.B. Gerald says head coach Mike Locksley punched him.  Locksley’s version?  “I wouldn’t say it was a punch.”  UNM Vice President of Athletics Paul Krebs’ version?  “I don’t want to get into details of what happened.”  Why not?  The coach is a public figure and an employee at the University of New Mexico (who just happens to make $750,000).  Why wouldn’t Locksley and/or Krebs admit to a punch?  I wouldn’t think this is a gray area.  You either hit a person or you didn’t.  If you didn’t, then say so.  Some speculate Locksley doesn’t want to admit to a punch to avoid any legal consequences.  Well, Locksley is talking about accepting responsibility for his actions.  If that’s the case, then own up to it.  If not, why not say so?  I’m sure Locksley and Krebs would prefer the problem went away quickly and quietly.  Krebs held a press conference on Monday (a week after the incident) and said he issued a verbal reprimand and a letter for Locksley’s file and that would be the only punishment at this time.  Krebs said “Based on what I know, this would not be a suspendable or fireable offense.”  Krebs was asked if there was some sort of clause in Locksley’s contract that said he could get fired for an incident like this.  Krebs said this did not fall under that category.  Fast forward to Tuesday when the UNM Human Resources Department said not so fast, we’ll conduct our own investigation.  Wednesday night on his radio show, Krebs admitted he thought they did due diligence.  That obviously wasn’t the case.

Here’s a media tip to Krebs, Locksley and UNM.  When you are upfront about any situation, release ALL the facts, admit wrongdoing and appear sincere about an apology.. then the issue goes away.  Trust me, I’ve seen it.  People are forgiving, but when you skirt around the facts, don’t give full disclosure and give the appearance that you are trying to sweep the problem under the rug then the public doesn’t accept it (nor should they).  The truth will set you free.  Do I think Locksley should he be fired?  No.  Do I think the University needs to take some sort of tougher action (ie-a suspension) for the altercation?  Yes.  As a head coach, you can’t get into a physical altercation with another person without facing some sort of punishment other than a “verbal reprimand”.  I’ve never heard of any co-workers getting into a physical altercation and NOT being punished in some way.  If this were to happen between two players (on national t.v.), the player would be done for the year (see the University of Oregon v Boise State).

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