Report: Baylor AD, CFP Chair Mack Rhoades investigated for sideline incident with star TE Michael Trigg, assistant coach

According to Trey Wallace of OutKick, Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades was investigated by the school recently after two different incidents. One involved Bears tight end Michael Trigg and the other an assistant on the football coaching staff. Both occurred on Sept. 20 during a home loss to the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Rhoades has been the Baylor AD since 2016. He also currently serves as the College Football Playoff committee chair.

“More than a month ago, Baylor University received reports of an incident involving Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades,” a statement from Baylor said via OutKick. “These reports were thoroughly reviewed and investigated in accordance with University policies, appropriate actions were taken, and the matter is now closed. 

“Mr. Rhoades has expressed regret over his emotions and recognizes his conduct at that moment was not reflective of 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 accountable environment for all of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff.” 

In the report from Wallace, the moment involving Trigg took place just before the Baylor offense took the field for its opening possession. Rhoades apparently went up to the tight end and said, “What the f**k are you wearing that yellow shirt for?” Baylor was yellow in the uniforms on the day. Wallace added that assistant coaches had to spend time throughout the game to calm Trigg down.

As for the assistant coach, who went unnamed in the report — Rhoades grabbed the Baylor staffer by the arm and then shoulder/neck before beginning to ” verbally accost” him. OutKick says this was witnessed by multiple people, including family members who were in the stands.

When the investigation was ongoing, Trigg and the assistant coach were reportedly told to apologize to Rhoades. However, the tune quickly switched as evidence showed Rhoades is the one who should be reaching out to the others.

Baylor does not have a game on Saturday, enjoying a late bye week. They return on Nov. 15 with a home game against the Utah Utes at McLane Stadium. Dave Aranda‘s bunch is currently one game over. 500 at 5-4. One more win is required to reach bowl eligibility, something the Bears have not accomplished in two out of the last three seasons.