ENMU rescinds scholarship offer

A member of Eastern New Mexico University’s football signing class is facing accusations of rape from an April incident.

Andrew Gaines, 18, of North Pole, Alaska, is facing four felony charges of sexual assault. Greg Waggoner, athletic director for ENMU, said Thursday night Gaines’ scholarship offer has been rescinded.

According to an indictment filed May 24 by Alaska’s Fourth Judicial District, the charges stem from three alleged incidents of sexual penetration and another of sexual contact against a female he knew to be incapacitated. Court records do not provide an age of the alleged victim.

Gaines also faces a misdemeanor count of harassment for allegedly touching the genitals of another person.

Waggoner held off from making a university or department statement early Thursday afternoon, citing the need to discuss the matter with football coach Kelley Lee and President Jeff Elwell, who are both off campus this week.

By early Thursday evening, those conversations took place and Waggoner contacted The News to say, “We’re rescinding his scholarship and his invitation to the team at this time, and letting the legal process play out.”

When asked if an acquittal or dismissed charges could create another opportunity with ENMU, Waggoner said, “We would have to see the circumstances.”

Gaines turned himself in to authorities Saturday, was arraigned Sunday and ordered to remain at the Fairbanks Correctional Center on $10,000 bail. He was released from the facility Tuesday on a $2,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 26.

The North Pole High product was one of 52 players, and one of seven linebackers, who signed with the Greyhounds in February.

A call placed Thursday to Gaines’ attorney, Thomas Temple of Fairbanks, was not immediately returned.