Former Indian school coach weighs legal action

Thursday, April 10, 2008  

Johnny Abeyta , the former girls basketball coach at Santa Fe Indian School in New Mexico, is weighing legal action over the handling of allegations of improper conduct by his son.

Abeyta, who is 1st Lt. Governor at Ohkay Owingeh, says allegations that his son, J.R. Abeyta, was drunk and engaged in sexual activity with a player are false. J.R. Abeyta was the assistant coach for the girls team.

Abeyta abruptly resigned on Monday after 18 years with the school. He said the school's handling of the allegations led to his departure. His son also resigned.

School officials have been instructed not to talk about the incident. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is reportedly investigating because the alleged activity occurred during the state playoffs, when the team stayed at the hotel owned by Sandia Pueblo near Albuquerque.

Get the Story:
Abeyta looking at legal action (The Santa Fe New Mexican 4/8)

Coaching staff at Santa Fe Indian School resigns (4/8)