Ex‑NMSU Player Misses Trial After Bench Warrant; Video Shows Him Playing in Lebanon

Overview

• A bench warrant was issued when Deshawndre Washington did not appear for the start of his criminal trial, and video reported by local outlets shows him playing in a championship game in Beirut on the same day.
• Court records list Washington as living in Dubai and he faces 15 felony counts tied to alleged hazing and sexual assaults during the 2022–23 NMSU men’s basketball season; he has pleaded not guilty.
• Washington’s management and his father say a regional security situation blocked his travel and that they submitted paperwork from Lebanese officials and the U.S. Embassy seeking permission to return for the trial.
• Legal analysts say a judge would likely hold Washington in custody if he returns and that any transfer from abroad would require federal involvement and the U.S. State Department, making extradition lengthy.
• The case prompted NMSU to cancel the rest of the 2022–23 season, overhaul its athletic department, and face lawsuits and calls for anti-hazing reforms, and the next steps to follow are diplomatic action or Washington’s voluntary return.