New Mexico State fires men's basketball coach Greg Heiar amid hazing investigation

New Mexico State fired men's basketball coach Greg Heiar on Tuesday amid an investigation into allegations of hazing within the program.

The university's chancellor, Dan Arvizu, announced the move in a letter to the campus community, adding that it was his decision to terminate Heiar, who was in his first season as the Aggies' head coach. 

"As I’ve stated previously, hazing has no place on our campus, and those found responsible will be held accountable for their actions," Arvizu wrote. "I am committed to the safety and well-being of all members of our campus community, as well as to the integrity of our university."

Arvizu added that "further decisions regarding the remainder of the coaching staff will be made after additional investigations are concluded."

What we know:Hazing probe underway in New Mexico State men's basketball program

New Mexico State abruptly suspended operation of its men's basketball program over the weekend after an unidentified player filed a report with on-campus police alleging multiple incidents of hazing involving at least three other members of the team.

The player told police that in the most recent incident, on Feb. 6, the three players had held him down in the men's locker room, removed his clothing and struck his buttocks. According to notes in the incident report, the player said he "had no choice but to let this happen because it's a 3 on 1 type of situation."

The player told police he did not want to press charges, though the incident report lists harassment, criminal sexual contact and false imprisonment as possible offenses.

Upon learning of the allegations, university officials first suspended operations of the team, then canceled the remaining six games of its schedule. Members of the coaching staff, including Heiar, were placed on paid administrative leave.

The hazing investigation comes just a few months after the November shooting involving Aggies forward Mike Peake, which left a University of New Mexico student dead. Multiple entities, including New Mexico State, have since been investigating the incident and its aftermath. Authorities allege that some of Peake's personal belongings, including a handgun, were picked up at the scene by teammates and later recovered by members of the coaching staff.

Heiar, 47, led the Aggies to a 9-15 record in his first season in Las Cruces, which was also his first as a Division I head coach.

Arvizu confirmed in a news conference Wednesday that Heiar was fired for cause, which means the university is alleging that the coach breached his contract. But Arvizu did not disclose which clause was being cited as the site of said breach. Heiar's contract, which paid $300,000 in base salary, lists 15 events that could result in a termination for cause – many of which reference violations of NCAA or university rules.

Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.