LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The president of New Mexico State University has named an acting athletics director in the wake of a recent New Mexico Department of Justice report on alleged cases of sexual assault and hazing within the men’s basketball program.

President Valerio Ferme announced Thursday that Mario Moccia will leave the university. Ferme said Amber Burdge will take over as NMSU’s acting athletics director “effective immediately,” moving up from the role of deputy athletic director for strategic initiatives and leadership.

“After carefully reviewing the recent report issued by the New Mexico Department of Justice, I felt we needed a fresh start in our athletics program,” Ferme said. “I have utter confidence in Dr. Burdge’s ability to lead our Athletic Department, and look forward to working with her in the coming months.”

The NMDOJ issued a report accusing the men’s basketball program of failing to protect student-athletes and having a “pervasive culture of misconduct.” They allege people close to the team missed “opportunities to observe and intervene” and that student safety programs didn’t do enough “to deter or address this behavior.” They cited “lax oversight, inconsistent discipline, and inadequate preventative measures.”

In November 2023, a grand jury indicted Deshawndre Washington, Kim Aiken Jr., and Doctor Bradley on criminal charges in the cases. Bradley and Aiken each took a plea deal.

Ferme said in a news conference Friday the university let Moccia go with cause and that the report was a big factor in the decision. Ferme also said there are no plans for a buyout but there could be a fight over Moccia’s contract.

“I can’t predict what other people will do when these things happen. I know what a termination or a release with cause means according to the contract, I’m not free to tell you what is in the contract, but again I can’t predict what other people will do on this stuff,” Ferme said.

Meanwhile, Ferme regarded Burdge for “having a student-first mindset.” Ferme added Burdge has “helped work on NMSU’s strategic response to hazing prevention.”

“As a change agent who excels at building, I can assure you that my whole focus will be on moving this athletic department forward. And providing the support our student athletes, our coaches, and our staff need to have an outstanding experience here at New Mexico State University,” Burdge said.

The university also plans to create a new “director of anti-hazing” position. Ferme said hiring for that position will be one of their next moves.

Before coming to NMSU, Burdge worked as the associate athletic director for student-athlete success services at Louisiana Tech University for eight years. According to NMSU, Burdge also served as the athletic director for Neosho County Community College, where she oversaw 16 sports programs that won six national titles.

Burdge also worked in leadership roles at Stephen F. Austin and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. She earned a bachelor’s degree in health and a master’s degree in counseling from Oklahoma State. She also earned a Doctor of Education at Louisiana Tech.