New Mexico State University Settles Hazing Lawsuit With Ex-Basketball Players for $8 Million

 New Mexico State University has agreed to pay $8 million to settle a lawsuit over hazing allegations in the men’s basketball program. William ‘Deuce’ Benjamin Jr. and Shakiru Odunewu accused teammates Doctor Bradley, Kim Aiken Jr., and Deshawndre Washington of sexually harassing and abusing them during the past season. They also say the coaching staff and university did nothing about it.

According to documents, Odunewu will receive $3,875,000 and Benjamin Jr. and his father will receive $4,125,000. The scandal forced NMSU to cancel the last six games of the season and cost Coach Greg Heiar his job.

State records reveal this is NMSU’s costliest settlement in recent history.

“They have had the courage to expose what happened to them in order to seek justice,” Joleen Younger, attorney for the plaintiffs, said during a May 3rd news conference. Records made public on Wednesday show the State of New Mexico will pay $8 million to settle the lawsuit two Aggie basketball players filed in April against the NMSU’s Board of Regents, its former head coach, and three fellow teammates.

Read the source article at krqe.com