Baylor AD Mack Rhoades investigated for alleged altercation with player, coach

Baylor Director of Athletics and College Football Playoff chairman Mack Rhoades is 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 multiple sources regarding this incident and is keeping their identities private due to fear of future retaliation regarding this matter.

On Sept. 20, as Baylor prepared to play Arizona State in a Big 12 Conference game, tight end Michael Trigg was preparing to take the field for the series opener against the Sun Devils. Trigg was part of the uniform that day and wore a long-sleeve yellow shirt, which was used to cover the brace he wore over 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, placing his hands on the player, asked him, “Why the hell are you wearing that yellow shirt?” Several assistants were nearby before the game when this incident occurred as it happened in a short period of time.

The timing of this incident stood out the most considering the offense was scheduled to take the field before the opener against Arizona State. The incident continued throughout the game as assistant coaches tried to reassure Michael Trigg regarding the incident, which occurred while Arizona State was turning the ball over to Baylor.

Trigg caught two touchdowns for a total of 71 yards on the day, and Baylor lost on a last-second field goal from Arizona State.

It should also be noted that former Baylor assistant coach Mason Miller, who left the team over what Dave Aranda called a “personal matter,” is not the coach AD Mac Rhoades was up against.

It got worse: Alleged incident after Baylor's loss to Arizona State

Immediately after the game, as the players walked the field to thank the fans and also gathered for the school song, Mack Rhoades allegedly stood behind Trigg and the other coaches. Then the situation took a different turn, and the assistant coach intervened.

Multiple witnesses told OutKick that while Trigg was with his family, an assistant coach was visiting his family when A.D. Mack Rhoades allegedly came up from behind and grabbed the assistant by the arm and then the shoulder and neck area. Rhodes then allegedly began making verbal advances toward the assistant coach, which was witnessed by several Baylor employees in the athletic department as well as family members, sources said.

OutKick received complaints from Human Resources filed in response to the incident, which were filed anonymously to protect their identities, that did shed light on the incident in question involving the student-athlete.

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According to multiple sources, an investigation into the incident has been launched and members of the football staff and athletic department staff present at both incidents have been questioned.

During the investigation, it became known that there was video evidence of the alleged incident.

Because Baylor is a private college, OutKick was unable to obtain this video from cameras around McLane Stadium.

Investigation into the alleged incidents conducted by Mack Rhodes

University officials did launch an investigation into the matter, focusing on the alleged actions of Mac Rhodes. The second incident in question had multiple witnesses as the AD staff acknowledged that it happened in a public setting and visibility would not be good.

Trigg and the assistant coach were initially asked to apologize to Rhodes for the incident in question, until members of the athletic department realized that it should have been the other way around, with Rhodes apologizing to the player and assistant coach.

The alleged incident involving the athletic director and assistant coach was witnessed by more than eight people, as well as FOX Sports television cameras that may have captured the alleged incident occurring right at the start of the game.

We contacted Baylor this morning with the knowledge that the incidents are under investigation. Baylor's response indicated that it had been completed and determined that Rhoades had done what it was supposed to do:

“More than a month ago, Baylor University received a report of an incident involving Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mac Rhoades,” OutKick said in a statement. “These reports were carefully reviewed and investigated in accordance with university policy, appropriate action was taken and the matter is now closed. Mr. Rhodes expressed regret for his emotions and acknowledges that his behavior at that time did not reflect our Christian mission and values.”

“Mr. Rhodes is an important part of our Baylor family and we look forward to his continued leadership of our athletics department. We remain committed to providing a respectful and accountable environment for all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff.”

Baylor has not denied our reporting of this story or the incidents that occurred on September 20th. 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 Rhodes in the incident reported by OutKick. As for Rhodes' punishment, the school would not comment on the incident.

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OutKick will continue to follow this story, especially given AD's physical contact with a student and assistant coach for the Baylor football team.

Our reporting does not indicate that this issue is closed from all sides. OutKick also reached out to the College Football Playoff along with the NCAA on this issue.

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