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Six days after our report on Baylor AD and CFP president Mack Rhoades putting his hands on a player before the Arizona State game, followed by a physical altercation with an assistant coach, he is officially taking a “leave” from his job.
The news also comes just two days after his appearance on the College Football Playoff ratings show, where he did not comment on the investigation that took place.
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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)
Rhoades was at the center of a school investigation into an alleged verbal and physical altercation with a football player and an assistant coach.
Now, OutKick can report that new allegations were brought to the school on Nov. 10, which do not involve Title IX, student welfare, or NCAA rules. They also don’t involve the football program.
The circumstances surrounding Mack Rhoades have only escalated over the past month, with Rhoades also skipping an important reinforcement dinner Wednesday night.
OutKick spoke with numerous sources regarding this incident and is protecting their identities for fear of future retaliation regarding this matter.
On September 20, as Baylor prepared to play Arizona State in a Big 12 Conference game, tight end Michael Trigg was preparing to take the field for the opening series against the Sun Devils. As part of his uniform that day, Trigg wore a long-sleeved yellow shirt that served to cover a brace he was wearing on his shoulder.
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Sources told OutKick that athletic director Mack Rhoades approached Trigg as they were kicking the ball to start the game, and while putting his hands on the player asked him, ‘What the fuck are you wearing that yellow jersey for?’ On the sidelines before the game, several assistants were present when this incident occurred, as it occurred within a short period of time.
On Thursday, Baylor Athletics issued a statement to OutKick regarding Rhoades’ decision.
“Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades is on leave for personal reasons, effective Nov. 12. The University will decline to comment further at this time.”
July 18, 2016; Dallas, Texas, USA; New 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
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.
Now, after Baylor did not deny any of the allegations laid out in an email and said Rhoades was sorry his emotions got the better of him, and the school said appropriate action was taken, Rhoades is walking away from the program.
Tight end Michael Trigg #1 of the Baylor Bears holds the ball against his helmet on an apparent touchdown reception that was later overturned on review during the Big 12 college football game between the Baylor Bears and the Kansas State Wildcats on October 4, 2025, at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas. (David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
University officials launched an investigation into this matter, with the focal point being the alleged actions of Mack Rhoades. 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.
The athletics department will be led by co-interim ADs in Jovan Overshown and Cody Hall.
OutKick has reached out to the College Football Playoff committee for comment on the situation.
