Former NMSU players file suit alleging sexual assault by teammates

Two former New Mexico State men's basketball players filed a lawsuit Wednesday, alleging they were sexually assaulted by teammates and that the coaching staff and other administrators did nothing when they reported the assaults.

The lawsuit was filed by Deuce Benjamin and another player who said three teammates forced them to pull their pants down below their ankles, then assaulted them. The Associated Press normally does not name people who say they were sexually assaulted, but Benjamin had earlier <a href=«https://twitter.com/21BabyBenj/status/1648456980082884610?ref--src=» https:>referenced the alleged assaults

while announcing his departure from the team on social media.

Chancellor Dan Arvizu canceled the season in February after Benjamin took his allegations to school police. Arvizu framed the allegations as stemming from a hazing episode. The civil lawsuit, filed in district court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, took issue with that description, saying, «when the behavior goes too far, and crosses the line into nonconsensual touching, it is not mere hazing; it is battery and sexual assault.»

The lawsuit listed as defendants the NMSU board of regents, two former members of the coaching staff and three former players. It seeks «amounts to reasonably compensate» the plaintiffs for their damages, as well as punitive damages. One count in the lawsuit alleges sexual assault, battery and false imprisonment.

School spokesman Justin Bannister said New Mexico State is working with a law firm to investigate the allegations.

«While NMSU does not comment on pending litigation, we want to assure everyone that this issue is being taken seriously,» Bannister said.

The lawsuit says that when the player whose name the AP is not using