The long road back for two New Mexico football players is complete.
Tuesday, UNM’s athletic director, Paul Krebs, confirmed that running back Crusoe Gongbay and cornerback SaQwan Edwards have been reinstated to the Lobos football team. Gongbay was originally charged with two counts each of second-degree criminal sexual penetration and one count for kidnapping. Gongbay turned himself in to campus police back in April. Edwards was later charged for one count of criminal sexual penetration.
In June, however, the charges against both players were dropped due to what was described as a botched investigation, although there was still the possibility the charges could be refiled. Earlier this month, the charges were summarily dismissed by the district attorney’s office, clearing the path for the return of the players.
Last season, Gongbay was third on the team in rushing yards (592) and rushing touchdowns (six). He’s the team’s leading returning rusher at the running back position, and was expected to be the Lobos’ starter this season.
In 2012, Edwards played in eight games as a wide receiver. After moving to the defensive secondary, Edwards started 11 games at corner in 2013.