New Mexico State University has made the decision to part ways with athletic director Mario Moccia following an investigation surrounding the handling of sexual abuse allegations that led to the temporary shutdown of the men’s basketball program. University President Valerio Ferme announced Moccia’s dismissal and appointed Amber Burdge as acting athletic director in response to a recent report by the New Mexico Department of Justice.
The report criticized the school’s behavior in the wake of the assault allegations that led to the shutdown of the 2022-23 basketball season. Two former players have agreed to plea deals, while a third is set for trial next month. The school paid out $8 million to settle a lawsuit brought by two victims, Deuce Benjamin and Shak Odunewu.
Despite the scrutiny, New Mexico State had given Moccia a contract extension and a significant raise in 2023. The report highlighted Moccia’s failure to take sufficient action upon learning about the assaults and criticized the lack of transparency in using booster funds to pay his salary. The report concluded that the toxic culture within the program was allowed to persist due to a lack of intervention by those around the team.
Ferme expressed confidence in Burdge’s ability to lead the athletic department and emphasized the need for a fresh start following the investigation. The university is committed to addressing the shortcomings identified in the report and ensuring a safer environment for student-athletes moving forward.
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