ESPN avoids questioning CFP chair about Baylor incident

last weekend, OutKick reported Baylor AD and CFP President Mack Rhoades was reportedly involved in a courtside incident involving Michael Trigg, followed by a post-game verbal and physical altercation with an assistant coach, which led to an investigation and multiple HR complaints.

On Tuesday night, ESPN hosted the CFP rankings reveal and did not ask the president about the incident that occurred on September 20; This should come as no surprise considering CFP has a major contract with the network.

Similarly, Mack Rhoades himself did not voluntarily discuss the incident during his appearance on the CFP rankings program.

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After the statement, a teleconference was held with journalists, but the issue was not discussed. OutKick was not called but would ask Rhoades to address the allegations.

Allegations Against Mack Rhoades Lead to Investigation

On September 20, as Baylor prepared to face Arizona State in Big 12 play, tight end Michael Trigg was set to take the field for the opening series. Trigg wore a long-sleeved yellow shirt that covered his shoulder pads as part of his uniform that day.

According to multiple sources, athletic director Mack Rhoades walked up to Trigg as the ball was being thrown to start the game, made contact and asked him, ‘What the hell are you wearing that yellow shirt?’ he asked.

Immediately after the game, as players walked around the field to thank the fans in addition to gathering for the school song, Rhoades allegedly stood behind Trigg and other coaches. That’s when the assistant coach stepped in and the situation took a different turn.

Trigg went to see his family and the assistant coach came to visit alone, when Rhoades approached from behind and grabbed the assistant’s arm, then his shoulder and neck area, multiple sources told OutKick.

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Rhoades then began verbally addressing the assistant coach; This was also witnessed by numerous Baylor staff members in the athletic department and family members of the assistant.

There is video footage of the incident watched by university officials, and it should be noted that FOX Sports televised the match between Arizona State and Baylor.

Baylor Bears athletic director Mack Rhoades reacts during a press conference during Big 12 Media Days at the Omni Dallas Hotel on July 18, 2016. (Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports)

Investigation Launched into Mack Rhoades Incident

OutKick obtained HR complaints filed in response to the incident involving the student-athlete, which were filed anonymously to protect their identities, which shed light on the incident in question.

According to multiple sources, an investigation into the incident was launched and football staff and athletic department employees who were present at both events were questioned about the incident.

When asked Monday about the incident and whether it would have any impact on his players, Baylor coach Dave Aranda said it was something he couldn’t discuss.

“No, you know this is an HR deal, this is above my pay grade.” aranda said. “The team is in a good place in terms of energy, in terms of focus. We will have to do our best to fight.”

Baylor did not deny our reporting of this story and the events that occurred on September 20th. In an email to Baylor, Outkick laid out the full details of the incident in question for them to respond to.

“Over a month ago, Baylor University received reports of an incident involving Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades,” a statement to OutKick read. “These reports were thoroughly reviewed and investigated in accordance with University policies, appropriate action was taken, and the matter is now closed. Mr. Rhoades expressed regret for his feelings and acknowledged that his behavior at that time did not reflect our Christian mission and values.”

“Mr. Rhoades is an important part of our Baylor Family, and we look forward to his continued leadership of our Athletics Department. We are committed to providing a respectful and accountable environment for all of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff.”

The second incident in question had multiple witnesses, as AD staff realized that this was happening in a public setting and that would not be good optics.

More than eight people, along with stadium cameras, witnessed the alleged incident involving the athletic director and assistant coach.

Baylor Bears head coach Dave Aranda works out on the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025. (Aaron Doster/Imagn Images)

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Now we wait to see when Rhoades will address the events in question. Maybe it could happen next week during the CFP teleconference, or he’ll have to do it once the regular season ends.

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