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Baylor Athletics Director and College Football Playoff Chairman Mack Rhoades has been at the center of a school investigation into an alleged verbal and physical altercation with a football player and assistant coach.
OutKick spoke with several sources regarding this incident and are protecting their identities out of fear of future retaliation regarding this matter.
On Sept. 20, as Baylor prepared to play Arizona State in a Big 12 conference game, tight end Michael Trigg prepared to take the field for the series opener against the Sun Devils. As part of the uniform that day, Trigg wore a long-sleeved yellow shirt that was used to cover a brace he wore on his shoulder.
Baylor Bears tight end Michael Trigg (1) celebrates a touchdown against the UCF Knights at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on Nov. 1, 2025. (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
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Sources tell OutKick that athletic director Mack Rhoades walked up to Trigg when the ball was kicked off to start the game and while putting his hands on the player asked him ‘What the hell are you wearing that yellow jersey?’ Along the sidelines before the game, several assistants were present when this incident occurred, as it happened in a short period of time.
The timing of this incident stood out the most as the offense was set to take the field for the opening drive against Arizona State. This incident ran rampant throughout the game as assistant coaches tried to reassure Michael Trigg about the incident that had occurred just as Arizona State kicked the ball off to Baylor.
Trigg would go on to catch two touchdowns, totaling 71 yards on the day, in which Baylor lost on a last-second field goal by Arizona State.
It should also be noted that former Baylor assistant coach Mason Miller, who left the team due to what Dave Aranda called a ‘personal matter,’ is not the coach confronted by AD Mack Rhoades.
It got worse: Alleged incident after Baylor loss to Arizona State
University of Missouri-Columbia Athletic Director Mack Rhoades speaks to the media during a news conference on campus as University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe resigned amid protests over racial tensions at the university in Columbia, Missouri, November 9, 2015. (Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)
Immediately after the game, as the players made their way around the field to thank fans, along with the call for the school song, Mack Rhoades allegedly stood behind Trigg and other coaches. This is when the situation took a different turn where an assistant coach was involved.
Multiple witnesses tell OutKick that while Trigg left to be with his family, an assistant coach was visiting with his family when AD Mack Rhoades allegedly came up from behind and grabbed the assistant’s arm and then his shoulder and neck area. According to sources, Rhoades then allegedly began verbally accusing the assistant coach, which was witnessed by several Baylor athletic department employees along with family members.
OutKick has obtained HR complaints filed in response to the incident, filed anonymously to protect their identities, that shed light on the incident in question regarding the student-athlete.
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According to multiple sources, an investigation was launched into the incident, with football staff and athletic department employees who were present in both cases being questioned about the incident.
It was made known during the investigation that there was video evidence of the alleged incident.
Since Baylor is a private college, OutKick has not been able to obtain this video, which would come from cameras around McLane stadium.
Investigation of alleged incidents by Mack Rhoades
The Baylor Bears run onto the field before the game against the UCF Knights at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on Nov. 1, 2025. (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
University officials launched an investigation into this matter, with Mack Rhoades’ alleged actions at the center. There were more witnesses to the second incident in question as AD staff acknowledged that this took place in a public setting and the optics of this would not be good.
At first, Trigg and the assistant coach were asked to apologize to Rhoades for the incident in question, until members of the athletic department realized it should have been the other way around, with Rhoades apologizing to the player and assistant coach.
There were up to eight people who witnessed the alleged incident involving the athletic director and assistant coach, along with television cameras from FOX Sports that may have captured the alleged incident, which occurred just as the game was starting.
We contacted Baylor this morning knowing there was an investigation into the incidents. The Baylor response indicated that it was completed, and Rhoades was found to have done what was alleged:
“More than a month ago, Baylor University received reports of an incident involving Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades,” the 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 has expressed regret for his feelings and recognizes that his behavior at the 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 remain committed to ensuring a respectful and responsible environment for all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff.”
Baylor has not denied our reporting of this story and the events that occurred on September 20. In an email to Baylor, Outkick provided all the details of the incident in question that they could respond to.
In their statement, they do not deny any of the allegations against Mack Rhoades in the incident OutKick has reported. As for what the punishment was for Rhoades, the school would not comment further on the incident.
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OutKick will continue to follow this story, especially given AD’s physical contact with a student and assistant coach on the Baylor football team.
Our reporting does not indicate that this case is closed from all sides. OutKick has also reached out to the College Football Playoff along with the NCAA regarding this matter.
