Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona was ridiculed after video caught him stepping on the ankle of a Texas Tech player during the Liberty Bowl over the weekend.
Carmona broke his silence on the matter and apologized for what happened.
“I would like to apologize for my actions last Friday night at the Liberty Bowl,” Carmona posted on X. “I let my emotions get away from me. I have nothing but respect for Texas Tech and the game of football. I apologize “To my team and my coaches, I am not that type of player and I will learn from this.”
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Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona (55) reacts after an Arkansas Razorbacks touchdown during the college football game between the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the Arkansas Razorbacks on Nov. 23, 2024, at Donald Stadium W. Reynolds Razorback in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Many objected to Carmona stepping on CJ Baskerville’s ankle, and the thought became public that he did it intentionally. Some even said they wanted him to be “banned forever” from the game.
Carmona’s actions caused immediate pain for Baskerville. Meanwhile, Carmona tried to play as if he were helping a teammate off the grass.
Baskerville accused Carmona of committing a “dirty” play.
“There’s no denying that Arkansas played a great game last night, I’m not going to take that away from them. But #55 Fernando Carmona blatantly stepping on my ankle and putting pressure on it on purpose is downright dirty,” Baskerville wrote in X on Saturday.
Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona (55) celebrates with fans after the Razorbacks beat the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. (Images by John Reed-Imagn)
“Keep saying ‘you’ve got your f*****g a***.’ Do it better.”
This incident occurred during the fourth quarter of the Razorbacks’ 39-26 victory over the Red Raiders to win the bowl game.
Baskerville was also Texas Tech’s leading tackler in the game, with 10 total and one pass deflection. He had 52 total tackles with four interceptions in his senior season.
Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona (55) during the college football game between the Mississippi Rebels and the Arkansas Razorbacks on Nov. 2, 2024, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Carmona is a junior who spent the 2023-24 season with the San Jose State Spartans before transferring to Arkansas.
