New Mexico State football team bus burglarized during game

The New Mexico State football team’s bus was burglarized during their game against the University of Florida on Sept. 5. It happened in Gainesville, Florida outside the stadium.

According to ABC-7’s affiliate WCJB in Gainesville, recent robberies had police on high alert game day. The station reported that just last month, five robberies happened on or near the University of Florida within two weeks of each other.

“It was one of those things where you’re like, what?” New Mexico State University Athletic Director Mario Moccia said.

Moccia said he was shocked after finding out laptops, iPods, passports and keys were all stolen from their administrative bus outside the game.

“Seven of us had to find rides home at 4 am so that made it a little uncomfortable,” Moccia said.

Moccia said leaving items in the bus is usually proper protocol at away games.

“You just don’t lug your luggage into another visiting team’s stadium,” Moccia said.

Moccia said he doesn’t know why the bus was left unattended and he’s not sure if someone broke in or if the doors were left unlocked.

“I personally with my own eyes didn’t see any damage,” Moccia said.

He said replacing all the paperwork will be the hardest. He also saidwhile the stolen items are a big inconvenience, it won’t stop the team from preparing for their big home opener.

“We’re not going to let this unfortunate incident you know distract us too much because we’ve got a lot of business going on in a very short week,” Moccia said.

Moccia filed police reports with the university and the state. He saidthey’ll also file proper reports with the bus company.

Gainesville police told ABC-7 that every game day, sheriff’s deputies, Gainesville police and university police monitor the area before, during and after the games.