LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) – Newly released documents from New Mexico State University shed light on the university president's decision to fire athletic director Mario Moccia. KRQE News 13 obtained a three-page termination letter from NMSU President Valerio Ferme to Moccia. In the letter, Ferme said Moccia would be placed on paid administrative leave for one month. "This letter will serve as notice of termination of your employment as the NMSU Director of Athletics for cause, effective February 2, 2025. You will be provided with paid administrative leave for one month, beginning today and ending February 2, 2025," Ferme stated in the letter, dated Jan. 2, 2025. Story continues below Podcast: Albuquerque Mayor Talks Crime, Homelessness, Goals for 2025 Crime: Former Bernalillo County deputy sentenced for tipping off drug dealer to 2021 raid Business: New owners talk about what’s next for South Valley batting cage In the letter, Ferme also instructed Moccia that he would have to contact Human Resources to retrieve his personal items from his office within one week. Moccia also had 24 hours to turn over all NMSU materials, including recruiting records, keys to NMSU vehicles, credit cards, devices, and any other NMSU property. Ferme said NMSU would work with him by allowing him up to two weeks to return and any courtesy vehicle he may have received. Moccia signed a five-year contract extension in 2023, which would have taken him through 2028, but since he was terminated with cause, he will not be paid a buyout, according to NMSU. Ferme said the decision to relieve Moccia was made solely by him and came after reviewing the New Mexico Department of Justice report on the hazing scandal involving the New Mexico State University men’s basketball team. Ferme previously said he felt the university needed a "fresh start in our athletics program.” New Mexico attorney general seeks to stop $1.9 million severance payment to WNMU president On the same day Moccia was let go, NMSU and Ferme announced that Amber Burdge, NMSU’s deputy athletic director for strategic initiatives and leadership, was promoted to acting athletic director.  Under Burdge, NMSU said the goal of the Athletics Department will be to implement recommendations outlined in the NMDOJ's report, which include strengthening anti-hazing policies and improving the process for reporting bad behavior.  President Ferme previously said the university is looking to hire an anti-hazing director and approved two new positions in the Institutional Equity Office to help with Title IX or any sexual misconduct reports.