Probe of Locksley altercation widens

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Within the next few days the University of New Mexico will start interviews in its investigation into football Head Coach Mike Locksley and his physical confrontation with an assistant coach.

The investigation by the UNM Human Resources Department focuses on the physical assault reported to police by assistant coach J.B. Gerald.

However UNM Vice President of Human Resources Helen Gonzales told KRQE News 13 Wednesday the probe may go beyond that incident.

“As we continued to discuss the situation further we determined that perhaps there are other issues that are broader in scope that have been brought up that we should look at," Gonzales said.

However she declined to say what those issues might be.

Gonzales said her department started its investigation at the request of Athletics Vice President Paul Krebs. On Monday he announced he had issued verbal and written reprimands to Locksley but didn't plan any further disciplinary action.

For his part Locksley said he as apologized to all concerned and was moving on without worrying about being fired.

“That could always happen," he said. "Am I concerned about it? No.”

Gerald told police Locksley punched him in the mouth although Locksley is only saying that's not quite the way it was.

“Obviously with an investigation going on it would probably be to my advantage to not comment further other than I take full responsibility for the altercation that did take place." Locksley told News 13.

This isn't the first time Gerald and Locksley have clashed.

The Daily Lobo's sports editor, Isaac Avilucea, reported in the campus newspaper that the two coaches got into a heated argument after a pre-season practice in August.

"Locksley pestered Gerald, continually advancing toward him as the wide receivers coach attempted to distance himself from Locksley," he wrote adding he couldn't hear what they were talking about. However he described both men as animated and angry.

Locksley said raised voices are part of the job.

“As a head coach I reserve the right to try to do whatever it takes without crossing lines to ensure that my coaches, my players and everyone involved in the program are meeting the standards that I set," he said.

Locksley is paid $750,000 a year. If worse came to worse and he were fired for cause UNM would not have to pay him beyond the date of his termination.

Gerald is on paid administrative leave with both Locksley and Krebs saying he is still welcome in the program.