Locksley fumbling off field

When did New Mexico become the conference's Oakland Raiders, and what in the name of Al Davis is going on in Albuquerque?

First-year coach Mike Locksley still hadn't figured out the shortcuts to the football offices when he was hit in April with a complaint alleging sexual harassment and age discrimination.

Then on Monday, it was announced Locksley punched wide receivers coach J.B. Gerald on Sept. 20 and subsequently was reprimanded by the athletic department.

And don't forget about the Lobos' 0-4 start, their worst in 15 years.

To his credit, Locksley didn't assign an assistant coach to handle Tuesday's Mountain West Conference teleconference. And he didn't "no comment" the expected questions that came his way.

"I take full responsibility," Locksley said. "It's something I should've handled differently."

He wouldn't comment on the complaint filed by former administrative assistant Sylvia Lopez to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission because it is pending. Locksley sued Lopez's attorney in August for defamation of character.

Regarding Gerald, Locksley said he wants him on staff.

"J.B. has to make a decision about whether to move on, and he's working through it," Locksley said. "He has to make the best decision for his future and for his family."

As for Locksley, even discounting the on-field record and the EEOC complaint, the question is whether the punishment should be something more than a "don't do that again" talking-to. What kind of message is athletic director Paul Krebs sending?

Locksley was asked if he felt fortunate not to be suspended. He didn't answer directly, sounding surprised by the question.

"For us, it's old news," Locksley said, "and we're going about our business."

That is, until Al Davis calls.

• BUT HE WON -- The sick look on UNLV coach Mike Sanford's face after the Rebels' 30-27 loss Saturday at Wyoming was understandable.

The Rebels were favored, and they would've won if they hadn't blown three chances at or inside the 10-yard line.

So maybe Wyoming coach Dave Christensen had sympathy pains. He showed up for work Tuesday before being sent to a hospital by the trainer for kidney stones.

• LOCAL GETS HIS CHANCE -- Utah's Matt Asiata, perhaps the Mountain West's top running back, is lost for the season with a knee injury.

Eddie Wide, a Cimarron-Memorial High School product, took Asiata's place and rushed for 129 yards in Saturday's 30-14 victory over Louisville.

Utes coach Kyle Whittingham said Wide wouldn't handle the full load. Junior college transfer Shaky Smithson also will play, with Wide getting 18 to 20 carries per game.

"Eddie Wide is a very good back, a very capable back, but he's not going to carry the ball 25, 30 times like Matt could," Whittingham said.

• CLAYTON APPEARS OK -- X-rays showed no broken bones in UNLV quarterback Omar Clayton's throwing shoulder. He didn't practice Tuesday but is expected to participate today and Thursday.

Clayton, whose injured knee is fine, will play in Saturday's 1 p.m. game at UNR, but whether he or Mike Clausen starts will be decided that day.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Read the latest UNLV football updates at lvrj.com/blogs/unlv_sports.