New Mexico suspends football coach amid misconduct probe

Bob Davie has been suspended for 30 days without pay by the University of New Mexico, following multiple investigations that examined whether he and coaching staff interfered with criminal investigations or misconduct cases involving players

The University of New Mexico suspended head football coach Bob Davie on Thursday for 30 days without pay, following multiple investigations that examined whether he and his coaching staff interfered with criminal investigations or misconduct cases involving players.

The suspension comes after an initial investigation requested by university officials had found through confidential interviews with players that Davie had told them in an all-team meeting to ‘get some dirt on this w****’ – a woman who had reported that a Lobos player had raped her.

However, a report released by the university Thursday showed a follow-up probe conducted by a Chicago-based law firm could not confirm the same allegations.

Despite being unable to conclude Davie or his staff had obstructed criminal investigations, the firm still recommended that university leadership ‘take strong action’ to ensure the school didn’t tolerate sexual harassment or physical abuse, and called for more oversight into the athletic program, school officials.

Head Coach Bob Davie of the New Mexico Lobos during the second half of a NCAA college football game at Aloha Stadium on October 29, 2016 in Honolulu

Head Coach Bob Davie of the New Mexico Lobos during the second half of a NCAA college football game at Aloha Stadium on October 29, 2016 in Honolulu

The firm Hogan Marren Babbo & Rose also looked into allegations of physical abuse, including whether coaches or staff had forced or pressured football players to compete and practice against medical staff recommendations.

In a release that also include reports on both investigations, New Mexico interim President Chaouki Abdallah said the school planned swift action in response to the investigation.

‘We will intensify our efforts to educate our campus community and change the culture of accountability within the University,’ he said. ‘UNM will quickly implement changes and corrective action, and will provide comprehensive training to all areas of the University.

The school  is already under agreement with the U.S. Justice Department to reform how it investigates sexual assault complaints following a scathing 2016 federal report that found the school failed in its handling of them.

Davie, 62, first gained national prominence as defensive coordinator at Notre Dame under legendary coach Lou Holtz from 1994 until 1997, when Davie replaced Holtz

Davie, 62, first gained national prominence as defensive coordinator at Notre Dame under legendary coach Lou Holtz from 1994 until 1997, when Davie replaced Holtz

Wednesday marked National Signing Day, when many of the country’s top recruits announce their college decisions. The University has not yet announced when Davie’s suspension will begin.  

The punishment comes at a time of heightened awareness to how coaches treat players and handle allegations of misconduct against the athletes they coach. 

Two years ago Baylor fired successful football coach Art Briles after an external investigation found the school officials, including Briles, mishandled sexual assault claims, some against football players. Just days before the 2014 season, Illinois fired coach Tim Beckman after an investigation found inappropriate treatment of players.

Davie went only 35-25 over a disappointing five-year tenure as Notre Dame's head coach before being fired and replaced with Ty Willingham in 2001

Davie went only 35-25 over a disappointing five-year tenure as Notre Dame’s head coach before being fired and replaced with Ty Willingham in 2001

Davie, 62, first gained national prominence as defensive coordinator at Notre Dame under legendary coach Lou Holtz from 1994 until 1997, when Davie replaced Holtz.

Davie went only 35-25 over a disappointing five-year tenure as Notre Dame’s head coach before being fired and replaced with Ty Willingham in 2001.

After a decade-long stretch as a college football analyst for ESPN, Davie returned to coaching in 2012 and helped to improve the long-dormant New Mexico program.

The Lobos had their best season under Davie in 2016, going 9-4 and ending the season with a New Mexico Bowl victory over the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Davie’s predecessor at New Mexico, Mike Locksley, was suspended by the school for 10 days in 2009 after an altercation with an assistant coach. 

NMFishbowl.com previously reported that outgoing football players ‘felt awkward around’ Davie and found that he had ‘no personal relationship with players.’

The Lobos were just 3-9 in 2017 after losing their final seven games of the season.

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas responded to the report, saying his office was ‘reviewing the actions of officials from top to bottom and any other organizations involved.’

‘We will never tolerate a university culture that denies students their basic rights through illegal discrimination or retaliation against those who report sexual misconduct,’ he said. 

NMFishbowl.com previously reported that outgoing Lobos football players 'felt awkward around' Davie and found that he had 'no personal relationship with players'

NMFishbowl.com previously reported that outgoing Lobos football players ‘felt awkward around’ Davie and found that he had ‘no personal relationship with players’



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