As reported earlier this afternoon, New Mexico has officially announced that head coach Mike Locksley has been suspended for one game.
In all, Locksley will be suspended for ten days without pay for allegedly punching assistant coach J.B. Gerald during a heated coaches meeting.
The dates of the suspension are Oct. 13-16, and Oct. 19-24. Locksley will be prohibited from the UNM campus and may not participate in any team-related activities during the suspension. He will miss the Lobos’ next football game, homecoming Oct. 24 against UNLV. UNM does not play this Saturday, Oct. 17. Locksley may return to work on Sunday, Oct. 25.
Locksley had the opportunity to appeal the sanctions, but declined to do so. In addition to the suspension, the first-year coach will be required to attend a class on Conflict Resolution within the next three months.
Vice President for Athletics Paul Krebs said that associate head coach George Barlow will serve as UNM’s interim head coach. Barlow also coaches the Lobos defensive backs.
“The results of the investigation by the UNM Department of Human Resources were consistent with information we originally obtained,” said Krebs in a press release. “No witness verified coach (J.B.) Gerald’s allegation that coach Locksley threw a punch. However, as coach Locksley has acknowledged, there was a physical incident with a fellow employee. That type of behavior will not be tolerated. The suspension is consistent with UNM policy for this situation.”
“I fully accept the resolution of the investigation,” said Locksley in a statement. “I truly regret the embarrassment I have brought to my family and to the University of New Mexico. As a result of the terrible decision I made last month, I will be a better person and leader in the future.”
“Mike has fully cooperated with this investigation,” said Krebs. “He is sorry for what he has done. I fully expect him to be an inspirational coach and a strong leader for our football program.”