Gerald takes steps toward resignation in fight aftermath

It looks like wide receivers coach Jonathan “J.B.” Gerald is on his way out of UNM.
Athletics Director Paul Krebs confirmed Sunday that Gerald turned in his University-issued cell phone and car keys on Friday.

Gerald has been on paid administrative leave since he filed a police report on the evening of Sept. 20 alleging that Lobo football coach Mike Locksley approached him in an “aggressive manner” after a “heated” exchange during an offensive staff meeting.
Locksley said he wasn’t aware that Gerald had turned in his keys and said that he hasn’t had a conversation with Gerald since the first-year head coach last apologized to him in person.

Initially, the only punishment levied against Locksley was a verbal reprimand and a written letter placed in his personnel file. But at Krebs’ request — and after a public outcry — the University Human Resources department launched an investigation into the altercation.

Krebs said the University has extended open arms to Gerald, and the wide receivers coach was welcome to rejoin the team whenever he was ready.

But Gerald has been mum since the incident occurred, and he didn’t return e-mails over the weekend.

Krebs said he wasn’t at liberty to speculate on whether Gerald has resigned.
“He’s on paid administrative leave,” Krebs said.

In Gerald’s absence, graduate assistant Aaron Moorehead has assumed some of the responsibilities associated with coaching the wide receivers, and Locksley has played a more active, hands-on role as well.

Locksley said his Sept. 20 actions were uncalled-for, and that he hoped the fallout wouldn’t affect his friendship with Gerald or his coaching status with the University — but ultimately the decision resided with Gerald.

“I can’t speak for him,” he said during a Sept. 29 media luncheon. “He has to decide what he’s willing to work through and whether he’s willing to forgive. Part of the consequence (is), I didn’t just lose a good coach. I lost a friend — possibly. But that’s part of the consequences of the choice or decision I made. All you can ask is for forgiveness — and I’ve done that part.”

Locksley has been cleared of wrongdoing on another front: The EEOC ruled the sexual harassment allegations against Locksley filed in May by a former administrative assistant are “unfounded,” KRQE reported on Friday.

Krebs said he hadn’t heard about the report.

“The EEOC complaint is about to be resolved,” he said. “I wasn’t in the office on Friday, but we expected that to be resolved and something to be forthcoming soon.”
Locksley declined to comment on the ruling.