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Last weekend, OutKick reported that Baylor AD and CFP president Mack Rhoades was involved in a secondary incident with tight end Michael Trigg, followed by a postgame verbal and physical altercation with an assistant coach that led to an investigation and several HR complaints.
On Tuesday evening, ESPN hosted the release of the CFP rankings and did not ask the president about the incident that occurred on September 20, which should come as no surprise given that the CFP has a massive contract with the network.
Likewise, Mack Rhoades himself did not intentionally discuss the incident during his appearance on the CFP rankings show.
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After publication, a conference call with journalists took place, and the topic was not discussed either. OutKick was not contacted, but reportedly asked Rhoades to respond to the allegations.
Allegations against Mack Rhoades led to investigation
July 18, 2016; Dallas, Texas, United States; 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)
On September 20, as Baylor prepared to face Arizona State in a Big 12 game, tight end Michael Trigg was set to take the field for the opening series. As part of his uniform that day, Trigg wore a long-sleeved yellow shirt to cover a shoulder pad.
According to multiple sources, athletic director Mack Rhoades approached Trigg as the ball was being thrown to start the game, made contact and asked him “Why are you wearing that yellow shirt?”
Immediately after the game, as players moved around the field to thank fans, while also joining together for the school song, 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 sources told OutKick that as Trigg went to see his family and an assistant coach visited him alone, Rhoades approached from behind and grabbed the assistant’s arm, then his shoulder and neck.
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Rhoades then verbally accosted the assistant coach, which was observed by several Baylor staff members within the athletic department, as well as members of the assistant’s family.
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 during a press conference during Big 12 Media Days at the Omni Dallas Hotel on July 18, 2016. (Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports)
An investigation has been launched into the Mack Rhoades incident
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.
Asked Monday about the incident and whether it would impact his players, Baylor coach Dave Aranda said it was something he couldn’t discuss.
“No, you know, it’s an HR contract, it’s above my pay grade,” Aranda said. “The team is in a good position, energy-wise, in a good position, focus-wise. We’re going to have to do our best 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 to.
“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.”
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.
More than eight people witnessed the alleged incident involving the athletic director and assistant coach, as well as 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 October 25, 2025. (Aaron Doster/Imagn Images)
We now wait to see when Rhoades will address the incidents in question. Maybe it’ll be next week during the CFP teleconference, or he’ll be forced to once the regular season is over.
