NMSU Settles Retaliation Lawsuit With Player Bol Kuir
The university agrees to a $180,000 settlement after a former player alleged he was removed from the team for reporting misconduct.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Basketball
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New Mexico State University has settled a lawsuit with former basketball player Bol Kuir, who claimed he was retaliated against for reporting team misconduct. Kuir alleged he was removed from the roster after documenting issues including locker room guns and inappropriate touching.
Why it matters
The settlement highlights the ongoing legal fallout from a 2022-23 basketball season marked by documented hazing, sexual assault allegations, and a deadly shooting. State investigations previously revealed that coaching staff allowed an internal player-led governance model that fostered a toxic environment.
In addition to the $180,000 settlement for Kuir, the university previously paid $480,000 plus $120,000 in back wages to former coach Greg Heiar. Total payouts for the basketball program's litigation have reached multi-million dollar figures across several separate legal actions.
The players
Bol Kuir
He is a former New Mexico State University basketball player who filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation for reporting team misconduct.
Kim Aiken Jr.
He is a former basketball player who pleaded guilty to hazing charges in 2024.
Greg Heiar
He is the former head basketball coach who received a financial settlement and back wages following his termination.
Deshawndre Washington
He is a former player involved in ongoing legal proceedings with a scheduled court hearing in late 2026.
The details
Kuir reported serious incidents, such as guns in the locker room and inappropriate touching, which he claimed led to his removal from the team. New Mexico Department of Justice findings confirmed that coaching staff had permitted players to operate under a self-governance model, during which some players assisted in concealing evidence following a deadly shooting in November 2022.
Timeline
2022-23 season: The NMSU basketball program was marked by widespread allegations of hazing and misconduct.
November 2022: A deadly shooting occurred on the University of New Mexico campus involving an NMSU basketball player.
2024: Former player Kim Aiken Jr. entered a guilty plea regarding hazing charges.
November 2026: A criminal motion hearing is scheduled for Deshawndre Washington.
Season Trajectory
This settlement follows the pattern of litigation established by the 2022-23 New Mexico State University basketball scandal. The ongoing legal costs and judicial proceedings continue to impact the program's legacy and its ability to rebuild following the total collapse of the team's culture.
The university's continued payouts for these legal claims impact the institution's athletic department budget and future resource allocation. This settlement concludes the specific civil claim brought by Bol Kuir while other criminal cases remain active through 2026.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the high financial and organizational cost of ignoring reports of misconduct within collegiate athletic programs. Institutional accountability often requires robust reporting structures that protect athletes who speak out against dangerous locker room environments.
What happens next
Deshawndre Washington is scheduled for a criminal motion hearing in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the ongoing legal challenges, see Las Cruces Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRQE 13.
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