ESPN faced scrutiny for not pressing College Football Playoff Committee Chair Mack Rhoades about an alleged sideline incident involving a Baylor player and an assistant coach during its recent ratings show. The incident, which took place on September 2, has raised questions about ESPN’s decision to sidestep the topic. The lack of coverage on the matter is viewed as a missed opportunity to address the controversy surrounding the event.
According to multiple sources, the incident involved tight end Michael Trigg, who was wearing a yellow shirt to cover a shoulder brace. Rhoades approached Trigg during the game and questioned the choice of attire, leading to further tensions. This confrontation escalated after the game, with Rhoades reportedly grabbing an assistant coach’s arm and engaging in a verbal altercation. Several witnesses, including stadium cameras, captured the incident, which has since been reviewed by Baylor’s HR department.
Baylor University confirmed that it investigated the incident, with university officials stating that appropriate actions were taken and that the matter is now closed. However, concerns remain about the lack of transparency and the failure of ESPN to address the issue during its CFP rankings showcase, which is critical for the sport’s visibility and ratings.
OutKick, a sports website, reported the incident and provided details in a story published earlier in the week. The report included HR complaints and video footage, which have been reviewed by university officials. OutKick’s email to Baylor detailed the incident and requested a response, but the university has not publicly addressed the matter further, leaving questions about the incident’s broader implications unanswered.
Following the incident, Baylor coach Dave Aranda declined to comment on the matter, citing HR protocols. This has sparked debates about the role of university officials and the need for accountability in athletic departments. While the investigation has concluded, the lack of public discussion surrounding the incident has left fans and analysts questioning the transparency of the process and the potential impact on the school’s reputation.
As the regular season continues, the anticipation is growing for Rhoades to address the issue in a public forum, possibly during the upcoming CFP teleconference. However, with the sports media’s focus on ratings and programming, the incident’s details may remain overshadowed, raising further concerns about the prioritization of issues in collegiate athletics.