HOUSTON — A Memorial City family told KHOU they’re pleased with the University of Texas' decision to suspend a student organization, but that the school and group still have major changes to enact.
Nicky Cumberland was a 20-year-old student at UT when he died last fall following a car crash on the way back from an initiation retreat held by the Texas Cowboys, a spirit team at UT.
This week, the university suspended the Cowboys for 6 years, saying their investigation of the group after Cumberland’s death showed hazing had occurred during the fall of 2018, as well as in previous semesters.
“We miss him so much, and we’re in tears 5, 6 times a day,” said Shawn Cumberland, Nicky Cumberland's father. “Nicky was a very rare, special human being.”
Nicky Cumberland was a triple major in business, finance and radio, TV and film. He was known for taking on leadership roles and was valedictorian at Memorial High School.
Nicky Cumberland’s sister, Ali, told KHOU hazing activities among the Cowboys included “paddling, excessive drinking and staying up late during all of their activities.”
The driver of the car Nicky Cumberland was in fell asleep behind the wheel, leading the car to roll over. Nicky Cumberland’s family says sleep deprivation was, in fact, part of the hazing.
In a statement, the Texas Cowboys said it was disappointed by the university’s decision to suspend them. It claimed the group had already suspended or expelled students involved in hazing that weekend, but denied sleep-deprivation was enforced. The group also said hazing is not a widespread problem.
Nicky Cumberland’s dad said that’s nonsense.
“This is a systemic, organizational problem,” Shawn Cumberland said.
Shawn Cumberland said he’s worried hazing will continue once the group is reinstated 6 years from now. He said UT did make the Cowboys promise to never ban new members from having their cell phones, a reform Cumberland himself, suggested.
“I think the decision to suspend is the right one. I’m afraid they didn’t implement enough tough changes on the organization,” Shawn Cumberland said.
Right now, the family is on a mission to eliminate hazing on college campuses, a mission that brings them peace after their devastating loss.
“I think this could’ve been avoided,” Ali Cumberland said.
The final sanction of for the Cowboys will be decided once the organization decides whether to accept the suspension, appeal it or request a formal hearing.
The team has until April 10 to make a decision.
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