The lawsuit says Locksley attacked Gerald on Sept. 20 by choking him, punching him in the face and cursing at him in front of peers and athletes, and should have to pay damages to Gerald.

The lawsuit says the University of New Mexico discriminated against Gerald, who is black, by encouraging him to minimize the assault and failing to take appropriate action.

UNM spokeswoman Susan McKinsey says the university "will vigorously defend itself and its employees against these claims."