Buster Sports

Mike Locksley is probably going to be under plenty of scrutiny in the coming weeks/months/whatever -- and it's not because his New Mexico team has started an embarrassing 0-3 thus far. No, it's for the same reason why he's probably not getting a "Boss of the Year" Award: he recently punched an assistant in the face. For serious:

Mr. Gerald said at one point in the meeting Coach Michael Locksley, who is the head coach for the team became angry with him and approached him in an aggressive manner. Mr. Gerald said that Coach Locksley grabbed him by the collar and as other coaches were attempting to intervene, Coach Locksley punched him in the mouth causing a small cut on the inside of his upper lip.

Yes, this is referred to as "pulling a Tom Cable" and, yes, it is HIGHLY inappropriate behavior by any head coach. In fact, it's not even really excusable for someone like Bobby Bowden, who has to consistently deal with a guy like Chuck Amato.

On the other hand, though, there's always the school of thought -- which has emerged over the past two years -- that punching someone from your own team in the face actually helps team morale. Look no further than last year's Carolina Panthers (Steve Smith v. Ken Lucas) and this year's Raiders team (the aforementioned Cable).

But that doesn't necessarily excuse it, even if it's "wasn't necessarily a punch" as Locksley told the media after being given "a verbal reprimand" and receiving "a written letter in his file." Yes, clearly the New Mexico administration goes overboard with their discipline ...

New MExico Coach Punches Assistant, Mike Locksley Punches Assistant, Mike Locksley Press Conference, Mike Locksley