Damage Control

Posted at: 11/02/2009 6:33 PM
By: J.P. Murrieta

ESPN's recent Outside the Lines story involving UNM head coach Mike Locksley and former assistant J.B. Gerald did not make Locksley or the school look good.  Now Locksley and UNM are in damage control.  Over the weekend the school posted the entire, uncut ESPN interview with Locksley on their website.  Sunday, Locksley spoke to the media and said he didn't think the story portrayed him fairly.  Now Locksley admits he has to win back some of the fans who have lost interest in the winless program and it's coach.  "I've got a lot of work to do to regain the confidence of the community," said Locksley.  "I can't apologize enough for the embarrassment these situations have caused the community," he added.

Of note, UNM has since taken the ESPN interview down off their website.  The school says they only planned to post it for one day (that doesn't make much sense).

On Monday, UNM Vice President for Athletics Paul Krebs sent out an email to a group of UNM alumni, supporters and donors.  Here is what Krebs had to say in regards to the recent ESPN interview.

"The issue with Coach Locksley has troubled and embarrassed those of us who love and support the University of New Mexico. With the recent airing of an ESPN story on "Outside The Lines", many are concerned that in addition to Mike's transgressions, the administration and I are involved in an attempt to cover up the facts of this situation.

From the beginning of the investigation, I have searched for the truth, plain and simple. Through 30 years in this business, I have held myself to the highest ethical standards, been fair and treated people with respect. My moral compass has not waivered even in the most difficult of situations like this one.

The Vice President of Human Resources, Helen Gonzales, reviewed all aspects of the case. She read the documents that were summations of the statements from the assistants. (There were no direct transcripts.)She also spoke to every member of the football staff who was in the meeting in question. Helen arrived at the same conclusion as I did. JB Gerald was not punched in the mouth as he contends in the police report and the report did not include any mention of his being choked. My inquiry and the university investigation was based on proving or disproving what was in the police report."

Print Story