New Mexico State University has reached an $8 million settlement with two former basketball players, Deuce Benjamin and Shak Odunewu, who alleged they were sexually assaulted and beaten by teammates during the previous season. The settlement, announced Wednesday, awarded $4.125 million to Benjamin and his father, and $3.875 million to Odoño.
New Mexico has agreed to pay $8 million to settle a lawsuit involving two basketball players who said they were sexually assaulted by teammates, according to state records. Deuce Benjamin will receive $4.125 million, while the other plaintiff, Shak Odunewu, will receive $3.875 million.
– Dick Weiss (@HoopsWeiss) June 28, 2023
Settlement involves some conditions
The settlement does not require the State of New Mexico or the Trusteeship Board to admit liability. Former basketball coach Greg Hear, who was fired by the university in response to the incident, was also fired from the suit. In addition, another coach and three players were released from responsibility. Benjamin and Odoño claimed in their lawsuit that they were harassed and sexually assaulted multiple times throughout the season, and that neither Heiar nor his staff took appropriate action to stop the abuse.
According to the suit, Odoño described an incident in which three colleagues pinned him to a bus during a road trip, pulled his pants down, and subjected him to various forms of sexual abuse. Benjamin shared similar allegations against the same three players, stating that the attacks mostly took place in the locker room.
Benjamin’s reports were basically ignored
Benjamin reported the abuse to university police in February, and asserted that Heiar had known about the situation since November but had failed to properly handle the complaints. Hazing and sexual assault allegations were the latest challenges New Mexico State’s basketball program faced during the season, following a fatal shooting in New Mexico involving Aggies player Mike Beck.
In response to Benjamin’s complaint, New Mexico State suspended its basketball program in February. Heiar was subsequently fired, and the university hired Jason Hooten of Sam Houston State as the new head coach. It is important to note that the shooting and allegations of hazing and sexual assault are unrelated events.
While the settlement offers compensation to Benjamin and Odoño, it does not undo the harm they suffered. The case highlights the need for universities and athletic programs to prioritize the safety and well-being of student-athletes, ensuring a culture free from harassment and abuse.