New Mexico’s Locksley reprimanded for fight

New Mexico Coach Mike Locksley has been reprimanded for a fight involving an assistant coach, who told police Locksley struck him and split his lip.

Athletic Director Paul Krebs said at a news conference Monday that Locksley was issued “a verbal reprimand” with a follow-up letter put in his personnel file after the Sept. 20 altercation.

According to a police report, receivers coach J.B. Gerald said the fight occurred during a “heated” coaches meeting. Locksley became angry, grabbed Gerald by the collar and punched him as other coaches tried to intervene.

Krebs said it’s not unusual in college football for coaches to have “heated discussions” during staff meetings but said, “This one crossed the line.” However, he also expressed steadfast support for Locksley, whom he hired after last season. New Mexico is 0-4.

Locksley didn’t attend the news conference but issued a statement in which he acknowledged the incident. He said he apologized to Gerald, to the coaching staff and to the team.

“I would also like to apologize to Lobo fans,” Locksley said. “Like I remind our players, when mistakes are made, you acknowledge them and deal with the consequences.”

Gerald told police he didn’t want to file charges.

Alabama loses linebacker

Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower will sit out the remainder of the season. Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban said that the surgery to repair a damaged ligament in Hightower’s left knee will require three to four months of recovery time.

Meyer thinks Tebow will play at LSU

Florida Coach Urban Meyer says he thinks quarterback Tim Tebow will play in the top-ranked Gators’ next game, at No. 4 Louisiana State on Oct. 10.

Meyer said that Tebow has a headache but is eating well. He thinks -- but doesn’t know -- that his star player will be ready to go against the Tigers.

Tebow suffered a concussion during the Gators’ 41-7 victory over Kentucky on Saturday.

Ohio State safety suspended for game

Ohio State strong safety Kurt Coleman has been suspended for one game for a helmet-to-helmet hit and “targeting a defenseless opponent” in the Buckeyes’ 30-0 win over Illinois on Saturday.

Coleman, a team captain and second-team All-Big Ten selection a year ago, was flagged for the hit on Illinois backup quarterback Eddie McGee on the final drive of the game. He will miss Ohio State’s game at Indiana on Saturday night.

Soon after the suspension was announced, Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith and Coach Jim Tressel issued a statement conceding that it was a late hit. But they added that “poor judgment” was used throughout the situation and that Coleman should not have been suspended.

Michigan’s Forcier to play on Saturday

Michigan Coach Rich Rodriguez said freshman quarterback Tate Forcier will play against Michigan State on Saturday. Forcier injured his right shoulder before making the game-winning throw against Indiana on Saturday.