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Mack Rhoades, director of Baylor Athletics and chairman of the College Football Playoff, has been at the center of a school investigation into an alleged verbal and physical altercation with a football player and an assistant coach.
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.
Baylor Bears tight end Michael Trigg (1) celebrates a touchdown against the UCF Knights at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on November 1, 2025. (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
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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.
The timing of this incident is most notable, given that the offense was about to take the field for the opening game against Arizona State. This incident escalated throughout the game, as assistant coaches attempted to calm Michael Trigg over the incident that occurred just as Arizona State kicked the ball at Baylor.
Trigg went on to pass for two touchdowns, totaling 71 yards on the day, with Baylor losing on a last-second field goal by Arizona State.
It’s also worth noting that former Baylor assistant coach Mason Miller, who left the team due to what Dave Aranda called a “personal matter,” is not the coach facing AD Mack Rhoades.
It Got Worse: Alleged Incident Following Baylor’s Loss to Arizona State
University of Missouri-Columbia athletic director Mack Rhoades speaks to the media during a news conference on campus as University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe resigned amid protests over racial tensions at Columbia University, Missouri, November 9, 2015. (Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)
Immediately after the game, as players moved around the field to thank fans, while also joining together for the school song, Mack Rhoades reportedly stood behind Trigg and other coaches. It was then that the situation took another turn, with the intervention of an assistant coach.
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 accosted the assistant coach, which was witnessed by several Baylor staff members within the athletic department, as well as family members.
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.
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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.
During the investigation, it was revealed that there was video evidence of the alleged incident in question.
Since Baylor is a private college, OutKick was unable to obtain this video which is believed to be from cameras around McLane Stadium.
Investigation into alleged Mack Rhoades incidents
The Baylor Bears run onto the field before the game against the UCF Knights at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on November 1, 2025. (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
University officials have effectively launched an investigation into the matter, with the alleged actions of Mack Rhoades 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.
Initially, Trigg and the assistant coach were asked to apologize to Rhoades for the incident in question, until members of the athletic department realized that it should have been the other way around, with Rhoades apologizing to both the player and the assistant coach.
More than eight people witnessed the alleged incident involving the athletic director and assistant coach, as well as FOX Sports television cameras that may have caught the alleged incident that occurred just as the game began.
We contacted Baylor this morning, knowing there was an investigation into the incidents. Baylor’s response indicated that it was completed and Rhoades was found to have done what was alleged:
“Over a month ago, Baylor University received reports of an incident involving Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades,” the OutKick statement said. “These reports were carefully reviewed and investigated in accordance with University policies, appropriate action was taken, and the matter is now closed. Mr. Rhoades expressed regret over his emotions and recognizes that his conduct at that time did not reflect our Christian mission and values.”
“Mr. Rhoades is an important part of our Baylor family and we look forward to his continued leadership of our athletics department. We remain committed to ensuring a respectful and responsible environment for all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff.”
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 so they could respond.
In their statement, they do not deny any of the allegations made against Mack Rhoades in the incident reported by OutKick. As for Rhoades’ punishment, the school had no further comment on the incident.
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OutKick will continue to follow this story, particularly in light of the AD’s physical contact with a student and assistant coach of the Baylor football team.
Our reporting does not indicate that this matter is closed on all sides. OutKick also contacted the College Football Playoff, as well as the NCAA, about the matter.
