Former NMSU basketball player Deshawndre Washington set for trial in hazing case
Two former New Mexico State players who accepted plea agreements are expected to testify against Washington, who has pleaded not guilty
LAS CRUCES, N.M. —
Former New Mexico State basketball player Deshawndre Washington is scheduled to stand trial Monday, Aug. 3, in Las Cruces on felony charges stemming from alleged hazing and sexual assaults during the 2022-23 men’s basketball season.
Washington faces 15 felony charges, including criminal sexual penetration, criminal sexual contact, false imprisonment and conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial is expected to bring renewed attention to the allegations that led New Mexico State University to cancel the remainder of its 2022-23 men’s basketball season.
Two of Washington’s former teammates accepted plea agreements and are expected to testify for the prosecution.
Kim Aiken Jr. pleaded guilty to two felony counts of false imprisonment and one count of conspiracy to commit false imprisonment. Doctor Bradley pleaded guilty to two petty misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct. Their agreements require them to testify truthfully if called by prosecutors.
KOAT legal expert John Day said the credibility of the two cooperating witnesses could become a central issue at trial.
“It’s going to come down to what jurors believe about the testimony and whether the testimony of the two former teammates of Washington’s who got plea deals,” Day said. “They pleaded guilty. They admitted that they’re culpable. How is that going to play to a jury?”
Prosecutors are expected to argue the former players can provide firsthand testimony about what happened. Washington’s defense could challenge their credibility by emphasizing the benefits they received through their plea agreements.
“Two other players pleaded guilty and accepted a deal in return for that,” Day said. “They are supposed to testify against Washington. So it’s going to be a tough case for both sides in terms of whether a jury believes the two players who got a deal or whether they believe the defense that Washington is putting together.”
The allegations against Washington and his former teammates became public in 2023 and prompted investigations into the basketball program. NMSU canceled the rest of its season and fired then-head coach Greg Heiar.
Civil lawsuits also accuse the university and members of the basketball program of failing to prevent or stop the alleged conduct. NMSU previously reached settlements with the former players who accused the players.
Day said the criminal trial could renew broader questions about the university’s supervision of its athletic program and response to the allegations.
“One of the main issues here is accountability,” Day said. “I think the question in a lot of people’s minds is: Have enough people been held accountable? Is there enough house cleaning that’s gone on? Is this symptomatic of a significant problem that’s been swept under the rug, or are people taking it seriously?”
The trial is expected to focus heavily on witness credibility and the evidence supporting the allegations against Washington.
“Regardless of how the Washington criminal trial turns out, the attention has got to remain on New Mexico State and whether there’s been significant accountability,” Day said.
