Fallout mounts from coach's altercation

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A reprimand from the athletic director may not end the trouble for University of New Mexico football Head Coach Mike Locksley after he admitted punching one of his assistants.

The UNM Human Resources Department has opened an investigation into Locksley's actions during a coaches' meeting on Sept. 18, the day after the Lobos lost to Air Force.

During the meeting Locksley grabbed receivers coach Jonathan "J.B." Gerald and hit him in the mouth.

UNM's athletic director, Athletics Vice President Paul Krebs, said Monday he had issued both written and verbal reprimands to Locksley but planned no further action.

“In this business it's not uncommon for coaches to have heated discussions.” Krebs said. “You simply cannot put your hand on another coach.

"You cannot have any kind of physical altercation. That is simply not acceptable.”

Locksley said Monday he apologized to all involved.

"I've been given a chance by administration to correct the mistake," he said after practice Monday. "I rarely make the same mistake twice, so I look forward to growing from it."

However the discussion on campus is whether Locksley got off easy or whether one academic professor attacking another would have ended as simply.

The university's faculty handbook states actions including physical abuse or threats will result in "appropriate disciplinary procedures and sanctions."

Jack Fortner, vice president of the UNM Board of Regents, brought up the incident today during a board meeting.

“I am very disappointed in coach.” Fortner told KRQE News 13.

However Fortner declined to involve himself in what discipline would be appropriate.

We asked Fortner if the same action would be taken if one professor had attacked another.

“That would be a decision then would be decided by the provost, and again I have confidence in our provost," Fortner said. “As a regent I am not in the business of second-guessing either our provost or our athletic director.”

Faculty members didn't want to be on camera told News 13 the action taken against Locksley is a heated topic on campus.