Baylor AD, CFP Chair reportedly investigated for sideline confrontation with player
By David Wasson
Published:
Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades was recently investigated for a sideline incident he allegedly had with tight end Michael Trigg Jr.
The incident, which was first reported by Outkick and expanded on by The Athletic, says that Rhoades – who is currently serving as the chairperson for the College Football Playoff selection committee – took exception to the gold, long-sleeved undershirt Trigg wore during home game against Arizona State on Sept. 20.
Rhoades allegedly grabbed Trigg by the shirt on the sideline and, while using an expletive, questioned why he was wearing it when the rest of the Bears were wearing dark-colored undershirts.
Members of the Baylor coaching staff, including head coach Dave Aranda and tight ends coach Jarrett Anderson, reportedly later had heated words with Rhoades about the incident. Trigg’s father, Michael Trigg Sr., told The Athletic his son wore the yellow undershirt because he had a shoulder injury and the long-sleeved shirt covered his brace.
Baylor acknowledged via a statement that Rhoades was investigated for an incident. And The Athletic reported that, in the days following the incident, Rhoades apologized to Trigg for his behavior.
Rhoades served stints as athletic director at Missouri, Houston and Akron before his arrival at Baylor, has been Bears’ athletic director since 2016. He signed a 10-year contract extension in 2022.
Rhoades is in his first year as the Chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee. According to Outkick, Rhoades is expected to remain in that role despite this alleged incident.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
