New Mexico basketball players involved in physical incident over plane seat
- An allegation arose involving a physical confrontation between a walk-on and a scholarship player during a team flight.
- The incident reportedly involved a punch to the shoulder of an injured player, who required medical treatment after the altercation.
- The University of New Mexico is currently investigating the incident while ensuring the safety of its student-athletes.
In late November 2024, during a flight to Palm Springs for the Acrisure Classic tournament, an altercation reportedly occurred between two members of the University of New Mexico's men's basketball team. The conflict arose when a disagreement over seating arrangements escalated, leading to one player allegedly punching a walk-on teammate in the shoulder. This altercation was influenced by the fact that the walk-on player was already nursing an injury, requiring him to wear a sling. After the incident, the injured player sought medical treatment at a hospital upon the team’s return to Albuquerque. These allegations surfaced following statements made by the alleged victim's family, who indicated that a similar incident reportedly occurred at their hotel on the same day. As the situation unfolded, it became apparent that the involved walk-on player informed the coaching staff about the incident. However, he later expressed frustration that no significant action was taken in response to the matter. An attorney representing the injured walk-on player disclosed that despite the incident, the scholarship player who was responsible for the altercation was permitted to participate in two subsequent games. The University of New Mexico has stated that a review of the incident is underway, emphasizing its commitment to the safety and well-being of students. In light of the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the university cannot share specifics regarding individual student matters, leading to a lack of detailed public knowledge about the investigation's progress. Head coach Richard Pitino has addressed media inquiries minimally, indicating that disciplinary matters are being handled internally but refraining from commenting on specific details.