A University of New Mexico basketball player was allegedly attacked by a teammate following an argument on a plane ride to a Thanksgiving tournament, KOB reported on Monday, Dec. 2.
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, KRQE investigators released an interview with redshirt freshman Shane Douma-Sanchez, who said he was injured during the fight that took place Thursday, Nov. 26 over an airplane seat.
In an interview with KRQE, Douma-Sanchez said that when the plane landed in Palm Springs for the team’s Acrisure Classic tournament, a teammate hit his already-injured shoulder and punched him in the face, fracturing his nose.
Douma-Sanchez told KRQE that although teams have personality conflicts and competition among teammates during the season, he hadn’t experienced anything like this before.
The player who allegedly beat Douma-Sanchez has yet to be named because the investigation is ongoing, but the player was allowed to play after the fight, according to KRQE.
“I think (the coaches) had the best interest of the team at the time, which was winning basketball games, because that’s what we were there to do,” Douma-Sanchez told KRQE.
While Douma-Sanchez recovered, his attorneys sent a letter to UNM outlining a series of claims, according to KRQE. The letter mentioned possible felony charges, KRQE reported.
The letter also alleged a “complete dereliction of duty by UNM’s basketball coaching staff,” according to KRQE.
David Adams — one of Douma-Sanchez’s attorneys — told KRQE he thought the suspect should have been suspended following the incident.
UNM men’s basketball Head Coach Richard Pitino said he was aware of the allegations during a media conference on Dec. 3.
“There’s not a whole lot I can talk about,” Pitino said at the conference. “We are handling any discipline matters internally.”
UNM provided a statement to KOB on Dec. 2.
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“The University of New Mexico takes the safety and well-being of all our students very seriously,” the statement reads. “We are aware of an alleged incident involving members of our men’s basketball team and are carefully reviewing and assessing all of the facts.”
The suspect’s attorney said his client is denying all allegations, KRQE reported, and the investigation is ongoing. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at sports@dailylobocom or on X @kubiakizabella
