Two new lawsuits have been filed in connection with the hazing scandal surrounding the men’s basketball team at New Mexico State University (NMSU). The scandal first emerged in 2019 when a former player, Clayton Henry, filed a lawsuit against the university, accusing coaches and teammates of allowing hazing rituals to take place.
The latest lawsuits were filed by former players Trevelin Queen and William McNair, who claim they were subjected to physical abuse, sexual harassment, and emotional distress as part of the hazing rituals. Both players allege that coaches and teammates were aware of the hazing and did nothing to stop it.
According to the lawsuits, Queen and McNair were targeted for hazing because they were perceived as not fitting in with the team due to their race and backgrounds. The players claim that they were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, perform humiliating acts, and endure physical violence at the hands of their teammates.
NMSU has come under scrutiny for its handling of the hazing scandal, with critics accusing the university of allowing a culture of abuse to flourish within the men’s basketball program. In response to the lawsuits, NMSU issued a statement saying that the university takes the allegations seriously and is committed to addressing any issues related to hazing.
The lawsuits seek financial damages for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm suffered by Queen and McNair as a result of the hazing. The players are also calling for accountability from the university, coaches, and teammates who they claim were complicit in allowing the abuse to occur.
The lawsuits are the latest development in a scandal that has rocked the NMSU men’s basketball program and raised questions about the university’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its student-athletes.
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