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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 of absence” from his job.
The news also comes just two days after his appearance on the College Football Playoff rankings show, where he did not comment on the investigation that took place.
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Baylor Bears athletic director Mack Rhoades during a press conference during 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 presented at the school on November 10 that 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 intensified over the past month, with Rhoades also skipping an important encore dinner Wednesday night.
Incident with player, assistant coach by Rhoades
OutKick has spoken to numerous sources regarding this incident and is protecting their identities for fear of future retaliation over this matter.
On September 20, as Baylor prepared to face Arizona State in a Big 12 Conference game, tight end Michael Trigg prepared to take the field for the opening series against the Sun Devils. That day, as part of the uniform, Trigg wore a long-sleeved yellow shirt that served to cover a brace he wore on his shoulder.
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Sources tell OutKick that athletic director Mack Rhoades approached Trigg as the ball was being thrown to start the game, and while putting his hands on the player, asked him “Why are you wearing that yellow shirt?” On the sidelines before the match, several assistants were present when this incident occurred, as it happened in a short period of time.
On Thursday, Baylor Athletics released a statement to OutKick regarding Rhoades’ decision.
“Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades is on a personal leave of absence, effective November 12. The university will decline further comment at this time.”
July 18, 2016; Dallas, Texas, United States; Mack Rhoades, new athletic director of the Baylor Bears, reacts during a press conference during Big 12 Media Days at the Omni Dallas Hotel on July 18, 2016. (Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports)
After the incident with Michael Trigg, the Baylor AD then physically approached an assistant coach in front of members of the athletic staff, as well as members of the coach’s family.
Multiple witnesses tell OutKick that while Trigg was visiting his family, an assistant coach was visiting his family, when AD Mack Rhoades allegedly came from behind and grabbed the assistant’s arm and, subsequently, his shoulder and neck. According to sources, Rhoades then verbally approached the assistant coach.
There is video evidence of this from different angles seen by OutKick.
An investigation has been opened into Mack Rhoades
OutKick obtained HR 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 into the incident was opened, during which football and athletic department staff members present during both instances were questioned about the incident.
Now, after Baylor denied any of the allegations made in an email and said Rhoades was remorseful because his emotions were getting the better of him, with the school saying appropriate action was taken, Rhoades is withdrawing from the program.
Baylor Bears tight end Michael Trigg #1 holds the ball against his helmet during 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 did launch an investigation into the matter, with Mack Rhoades’ alleged actions as the focus. There were multiple witnesses to the second incident in question, as DA staff members recognized that this was taking place in a public place and the optics of this would not be good.
The athletic 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.
