Press Article: NMSU Basketball Player’s Defense Claims Hazing Was Harmless Horseplay
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The defense team of former New Mexico State University (NMSU) basketball player Deshawndre Washington, facing 15 charges including sexual assault related to a hazing scandal, is asserting his innocence. At a press conference on Monday, attorneys Michael E. Cain and David Mestemaker described the alleged incidents as "harmless horseplay" rather than acts of sexual violence, claiming all parties were willing participants in the locker room antics.
Mestemaker questioned societal perceptions of athletic behavior, stating, "Have we forgotten about horseplay? … What people do in locker rooms in competitive sports?" His remarks come in light of a damning report from the New Mexico Department of Justice, which identified a "toxic locker room culture" at NMSU, detailing instances of humiliation where teammates were forced into compromising situations.
The defense argues that the actions in question, which included forcing teammates to exercise with their genitalia exposed, were consensual and characteristic of typical locker room behavior. Mestemaker claimed witnesses have struggled to maintain consistent narratives, further challenging the credibility of the accusations.
Washington’s trial is slated for April 14, with his path to a professional basketball career hanging in the balance. While co-defendants Doctor Bradley and Kim Aiken Jr. pleaded guilty to lesser charges and agreed to testify against Washington, Mestemaker suggested they opted for deals due to their lack of professional opportunities compared to Washington.
The defense team’s commitment to a full acquittal underscores their belief that the accusations are exaggerated, asserting that their client should not face criminal charges for common locker room antics. As the case unfolds, Washington’s future in basketball remains uncertain amid the ongoing legal battles.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
