New Mexico State Basketball Coach Greg Heiar Reaches Settlement in Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
Breaking News: A meaningful legal dispute involving New Mexico State University and its former men’s basketball coach, Greg Heiar, has been resolved. Attorneys for Coach heiar confirmed on Friday that a settlement has been reached in the wrongful termination lawsuit he filed against the university.
August 17, 2025
Legal Dispute Concludes
The resolution of the lawsuit marks the end of a tumultuous period for the New Mexico State Aggies men’s basketball program. Greg Heiar, who was dismissed in February 2023, had pointed to a series of challenging events during his tenure, asserting he was made a scapegoat for broader institutional issues.
His legal action cited a range of problems, including a significant hazing investigation, a player’s involvement in a fatal self-defense shooting, and academic concerns within the program.
Key Incidents Leading to Dismissal
The foundation of the lawsuit stems from a series of events that unfolded during the 2022-2023 season. In November 2022,a former Aggies player,Mike Peake,was involved in an incident at the University of New Mexico.Peake was reportedly attacked by a group of men and, in self-defense, shot and killed an alleged assailant. He consequently faced no charges for this action.
this event was followed by accusations that Heiar and his team departed the area while local authorities were seeking to interview players. This situation compounded the growing scrutiny on the program’s leadership and player conduct.
Hazing Allegations and Financial Repercussions
Further complicating matters was a subsequent hazing investigation. This inquiry uncovered allegations of sexual assault and harassment,ultimately leading to a substantial financial settlement. The university agreed to a combined payout totaling $8 million to two former players, Shak Odunewu and deuce Benjamin, along with one of their fathers.
Following these revelations, New mexico State terminated Heiar’s contract in February 2023, simultaneously canceling the remainder of the 2022-23 season. Heiar responded by filing his lawsuit,seeking an unspecified sum for breach of contract,and alleging the university’s actions were “willful,wanton,and with reckless disregard.”
Resolution and Future Outlook
“On behalf of our client, Greg Heiar, we are pleased to announce that a settlement has been reached in the arbitration of Coach Heiar and New Mexico State University,” stated attorneys Ryan P. Danoff and Brett J. Danoff of Danoff Law Firm, P.C. The legal team expressed their client’s satisfaction with the resolution,noting his eagerness to resume his coaching career.
Heiar’s coaching prowess was previously demonstrated when he guided Trinity Valley Community College to a national junior college championship in the preceding year, an achievement that also earned him the title of national junior college coach of the year.
Key Data Summary
| Event | Date/Period | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Player Involved Shooting | November 2022 | Mike Peake involved in self-defense shooting; not charged. |
| Hazing Investigation | Post-November 2022 | Allegations of sexual assault and harassment; led to $8M payout. |
| Greg Heiar Fired | February 2023 | First-year head coach dismissed; season canceled. |
| Lawsuit Filed | Post-February 2023 | Heiar sued for wrongful termination, breach of contract. |
| Settlement Reached | August 15, 2025 | Lawsuit resolved out of court. |
Lessons from College Sports Disputes
Situations like the one involving Greg Heiar and New Mexico State underscore the complex legal and ethical landscape of college athletics.Universities and coaches alike must navigate potential pitfalls related to player conduct, program management, and adherence to university policies and Title IX guidelines. The increasing legal scrutiny on college sports departments highlights the importance of robust compliance and risk management strategies.
Did You Know? Title IX, enacted in 1972, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This has significant implications for athletic programs, covering issues from scholarships to preventing sexual harassment and assault.
Pro Tip: For university athletic departments, establishing clear codes of conduct for athletes and staff, coupled with thorough training on Title IX and anti-hazing policies, is crucial for mitigating legal risks and fostering a safe surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the core issue in the Greg Heiar wrongful termination lawsuit against new Mexico State?
Greg Heiar accused New Mexico State University of making him a “sacrificial lamb” for various issues, including a hazing investigation, a player’s self-defense shooting, and academic problems.
When was Greg Heiar fired as the basketball coach at New Mexico State?
Greg Heiar was fired in February 2023, during his first year as head coach.
What were some of the major incidents that led to the controversy at New Mexico State?
Key incidents included a hazing investigation resulting in an $8 million payout to former players and their father, and a self-defense shooting involving a player in November 2022.
What was the financial outcome of the hazing investigation for New Mexico State?
The university made a combined $8 million payout to two former players and one of their fathers following allegations of sexual assault and harassment.
What is Greg Heiar’s current coaching status?
Following the settlement, Greg Heiar expressed excitement to continue his coaching career, having previously led Trinity Valley Community College to a national junior college championship and earning national coach of the year honors.
