Yesterday’s game was expected to be a handful. It was the first game the Lobos would play since the firing of Coach Locksley. The game was against the archrivals UNM Lobos and NMSU Aggies. UNM expected such problems (as demonstrated by last year) they even hired extra officers to be on duty.
Tailgate lots opened very early, despite a 6:00 p.m. scheduled kick off. Some people began to arrive at 10:00 a.m. and it appeared that UNM had a no rules tailgate party. Alcohol was plenty and people were piled in to the numerous tailgate lots. There were many tailgaters that had tents, full D.J. and people dancing, fighting, and drinking in the lot. One such tailgater was the "PIKE" fraternity house. During the tailgate party, an 18 year old girl was seen passed out near the "PIKE" spot. She had been drinking with them, along with several "PIKE" pledges and brothers. The female was so intoxicated she was required medical attention and Albuquerque Ambulance was called to treat and transport her to a nearby hospital. Several citations were also issued for minor in possession.
Many PIKE members were getting on the microphone and announcing which people were actual SID (Special Investigations Division)undercover officers. Isn't that interferring with a police investigation? What comes next is mind boggling. Supervisors on scene asked if UNM wanted the PIKE tailgaters to be escorted off property. UNM had briefed officers and stated there was a no tolerance and people would be cited and escorted off the property. Seeing that the PIKE tailgaters were providing alcohol to minor, or at least allowing minors to drink with them; it only seemed obvious that the PIKE tailgaters would be told to leave. The answer from the UNM big wigs was hypocritical at best, "let them stay." During the night, Albuquerque Ambulance and AFD were called to the lots in reference to intoxicated minors, numerous times. That does not seem to be the worst of it.
At 6:00 P.M., UNM officials told officers to let all of the tailgaters know that they had two choices; go into the game, or pack up and leave the property immediately. So let us get this straight. Officials KNOW people have been drinking ALL day long and their answer is "pack up and leave." Where does the responsibility of UNM lie? It has been on the news regularly that bars and other establishments are sued when a patron is in an accident after leaving their establishment. The courts have found that liquor establishments have a responsibility to know that certain intoxicated people should not be allowed to drive and that their intoxication level is the responsibility of the various establishments. What about UNM? Here is an "establishment," a SCHOOL no less that is KNOWINGLY allowing intoxicated people leave the area. UNM allows these people to drink all day long without any limit on the amount of alcohol they consume.
There are so many things UNM can do to help with this problem:
1) Make it a dry campus and they so often boast
2) Allow alcohol to be served only a certain time period and ending many hours prior to the start of the game.
3) Have trained staff to monitor and take appropriate action when they see someone is intoxicated.
One thing is for certain; UNM's policies must change. At yesterday’s game, many people were issued citations, many people were arrested, and many people were injured. It is only time before it becomes fatal.
7 comments:
Underage drinking and drinking and driving are big problems for NM, why does UNM allow both?
I really wish someone would do something!
This has been going on for years..It the Chief of Police that allows this to happen, as she is given total control over these events. She has worn out her welcome...And everyone thinks APD is in need of change...HA
This only goes to show that government can not legislate or enforce morality. As long as it tries to, families will dodge the tuff love and pass it on to the government. Your all fools following power hungry egotistical maniac politicians who tell you what you have been told you should hear. Let us take care of you.......and we will only tax you a little. And when we fail, we will only tax you a little more and tell you we need more power. Fools..Sheep.
I like this post. For once it is non-biased and true. I saw the same thing and immediately left. The young ladies who were smart enough to stay away were spoken to with disrespect and lewd tongue.
My daughter would not be caught there.
Thank you for posting this.
Unfortunately it’s a College Town, Get use to it or move out. Try going to other college towns around the United States, and see if it’s just New Mexico.
It's always someone elses problem, isn't it? I saw many officers there, trying to put out small fires..but nothing was really "done". Who has the authority in this town to do anything? I'm tired of people passing the buck and saying.."well, I was told by so and so to do this"..
Ridiculous! If you wear a badge, then you fix it! Like the saying goes..you can beat the rap but you can't beat the ride!!!!! GET ON THEM DAMN IT!
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