Report: Miami guard Tru Washington named in lawsuit by ex-teammate at New Mexico

A New Mexico walk-on is seeking to add new Miami signee Tru Washington to a lawsuit he filed against the school that claims he was bullied and subsequently disregarded by the team’s coaching staff. Washington transferred to Miami this offseason.

Sportico first reported on the lawsuit and the pending addition of Washington to it, noting that the case is likely to face dismissal motions on multiple grounds. In any event, the complaint centers on Washington allegedly getting physical on a team flight.

The defendant, walk-on Shane Duoma-Sanchez, alleges violations of the state of New Mexico’s civil rights and tort statutes, per Sportico. Specifically, he claims he was punched in the face.

Duoma-Sanchez claimed he was punched in the face by Tru Washington during a team flight in November after a disagreement over seating arrangements. Washington and Miami did not respond to a request for comment when Sportico reached out to program officials.

Tru Washington commits to Miami

New Mexico transfer guard Tru Washington committed to Miami, On3’s Joe Tipton reported on April 9. He played the past two seasons for the Lobos and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Washington moved from a bench role to a starter from his freshman to sophomore seasons. He went from averaging 6.6 points last season to 11.1 in 2024-25 while also contributing 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 steals. He was named honorable mention All-Mountain West.

Washington played high school basketball at Compass Prep in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was a three-star prospect. He ranked as the No. 129 overall player and No. 9 combo guard in the 2023 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

This transfer cycle, Washington ranks as the No. 104 overall player and No. 6 combo guard according to On3. He joins a Hurricanes team that is coming off of 7-24 finish this past season after coach Jim Larranaga announced his retirement midway through the year. Miami was just two years removed from making the Final Four in 2023.

On3’s Chandler Vessels also contributed to this report.