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Last weekend, OutKick reported that Baylor AD and CFP president Mack Rhoades was involved in an incident on the sideline with tight end Michael Trigg, followed by a postgame verbal and physical altercation with an assistant coach that led to an investigation and multiple human resources complaints.
On Tuesday night, ESPN hosted the release of the CFP rankings and did not ask the president about the incident that occurred on September 20, which should not be a surprise given that the CFP has a huge contract with the network.
Likewise, Mack Rhoades himself did not voluntarily discuss the incident during his appearance on the CFP ratings show.
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After the publication, a teleconference was held with journalists and the issue was not addressed either. OutKick was not called, but reportedly asked Rhoades to address the allegations.
Allegations against Mack Rhoades led to investigation
July 18, 2016; Dallas, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears athletic director Mack Rhoades at a press conference during the Big 12 Media Days at the Omni Dallas Hotel on July 18, 2016. (Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports)
On September 20, as Baylor prepared to take on Arizona State in a Big 12 matchup, tight end Michael Trigg was ready to take the field for the opening series. As part of his uniform that day, Trigg wore a long-sleeved yellow shirt to cover one shoulder.
According to multiple sources, athletic director Mack Rhoades approached Trigg as they were kicking the ball to start the game, made contact and asked, “What the hell are you wearing that yellow jersey for?”
Immediately after the game, as players walked the field to thank fans, as well as gather around to listen to the school song, Rhoades was allegedly standing behind Trigg and other coaches. It was then that the situation took a different turn, with a second coach being involved.
Multiple sources told OutKick that when Trigg went to see his family and an assistant coach was visiting alone, Rhoades came up behind him and grabbed the assistant’s arm, then his shoulder and neck.
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Rhoades then proceeded to verbally address the assistant coach, which was witnessed by several Baylor staff members within the athletic department, along with family members of the assistant.
There is video footage of the incident that university officials have seen, and it should be noted that FOX Sports televised the game between Arizona State and Baylor.
Baylor Bears athletic director Mack Rhoades reacts at a press conference during the 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 Human Resources complaints filed in response to the incident, which are filed anonymously to protect their identities, and which shed light on the incident in question regarding the student-athlete.
According to multiple sources, an investigation was launched into the incident, where members of the football staff and athletic department present in both cases 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, that’s a human resources agreement, it’s above my pay grade,” Aranda said. “The team is in a good place, in terms of energy, in a good place, in terms of concentration. We are going to need our best effort to fight.”
Baylor has not denied our reporting on this story and the incidents that occurred on September 20. In an email to Baylor, Outkick laid out all the details of the incident in question for them to respond.
“Over 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 emotions and acknowledges that his conduct 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 him continuing to lead our Athletics Department. We remain committed to ensuring a respectful and responsible environment for all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff.”
There were multiple witnesses to the second incident in question, as AD staff members recognized that this was occurring in a public setting and that the optics of this would not be good.
More than eight people witnessed the alleged incident involving the athletic director and assistant coach, along with stadium cameras.
Baylor Bears head coach Dave Aranda works the sideline during the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half at Nippert Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025. (Aaron Doster/Image Images)
Now, we look forward to seeing when Rhoades will address the incidents in question. Maybe that will be next week during the CFP conference call, or he will be forced to do it once the regular season ends.
