Locksley copes with altercation fallout

ALBQUERQUE (KRQE) - Lobos football Head Coach Mike Locksley said Monday he promptly apologized to everyone concerned after getting physical with one of his assistants during a coaches' meeting.

Locksley has been given a verbal reprimand for his role in an altercation with receivers coach J.B. Gerald, and Vice President of Athletics Paul Krebs has prepared a letter of reprimand to put in Locksley's file.

Locksley and receivers coach Gerald got into an altercation during a meeting the day after the Lobos' Sept. 19 loss to Air Force.

According to a police incident report, Locksley grabbed Gerald by the collar and punched him in the face during the altercation.

The report said Gerald had a cut lip and scratch on the arm. Locksley said he regretted the incident and that he never makes a mistake twice. Locksley said he apologized to his team immediately after the incident.

When asked if his punishment was enough Locksley said, "A reprimand is a very serious punishment."

During an afternoon news conference Krebs made it clear that he did not condone the incident, but he did give Locksley a show of support saying coaches have heated exchanges all of the time.

Krebs also said the incident did not shake his faith in Locksley's leadership. Gerald has been on paid leave since the incident.

Krebs and Locksley both said Gerald can come back to the team if he chooses. Locksley said the incident has not been a distraction for his team

KRQE News 13 tried repeatedly to contact Gerald for comment but was unsuccessful.

The Lobos are on the road and underdogs at Texas Tech Saturday.