Sept. 14, 2007
The University has received a notice from the NCAA containing four allegations by members of our football coaching staff. We received the Notice of Allegations from the NCAA on September 7th and felt was important that we be forthcoming about what we had received. You have received a copy of the allegations minus some names. Those were struck for privacy reasons and because this is an on-going investigation. Because it is an on-going investigation there is a lot I will not be able to comment on and it is hard to provide additional details at this time. The bottom-line is, the incidents occurred 2 to 3 years ago and involved three members of our football coaching staff, two of whom are no longer with the University. Four prospective student-athletes involved and one, then member, of our football team. Only 2 of the 5 student-athletes in question played football at UNM.
It's important to all our athletes, coaches and staff that you know that the NCAA's allegations involve only football, no other sports, and that NO current players are alleged to be involved.
As serious as it is, it's important to know The NCAA has cited individual conduct of 3 assistant coaches, not the University itself for a lack of institutional control. And no allegations were directed at head coach Rocky Long.
The University first learned of these allegations in July of 2006 - one month after I got here.
I immediately assembled an Internal Task Force to work closely with the NCAA to ensure they got everything they needed to thoroughly investigate. In the months that have followed, we've done everything within our power to get to the bottom of these charges.
I consider these allegations very serious and will not tolerate intentional violations of the rules. We are conducting our own investigation and have hired outside legal counsel. We will consider self imposed sanctions based on our own investigation and the results.
We hold the Athletics Department to the highest standards, and I will not tolerate intentional violations of NCAA rules on my watch. There is nothing more important to the health and well-being of an Athletics Department than integrity, and since I took this position, I have focused significant amounts of my time and energy on expanding and improving compliance and academic services, including personnel, budget, professional development and other initiatives. Additional measures include a number of administrative changes, including reporting lines for compliance and academics that are designed to strengthen our department.
When I arrived one year ago, New Mexico had a good athletics program. Our goal is to be great. The progress we've made this past year has us headed in that direction and the results show in the marked increase in passion and excitement from our students, alumni, university community and fans throughout the state who support and deeply care about UNM athletics.
You have my commitment to continue to do everything within my power to improve every aspect of this program including its core, and the academic performance of our student-athletes. Our terrific coaches and improved facilities are only a part of our commitment to attract and retain high caliber student-athletes who can compete with the best within our conference and across the nation.
This issue will be resolved in a way that reflects the inherent integrity of the University of New Mexico. If violations did occur, we will put measures in place to ensure they won't happen again. Our mission remains rooted in the care, well-being and development of hundreds of student-athletes.
