Baylor reportedly investigated AD Mack Rhoades for sideline altercation

Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades was investigated by the university following a sideline incident with tight end Michael Trigg during the Bears’ Sept. 20 home game against Arizona State, according to a report by Outkick’s Trey Wallace.

Rhoades, who also serves as chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee, allegedly grabbed Trigg by the shirt during the first quarter and questioned, with an expletive, why he was wearing a gold undershirt that differed from the rest of the team’s dark uniforms. Members of the coaching staff, including head coach Dave Aranda and tight ends coach Jarrett Anderson, reportedly confronted Rhoades afterward.

Baylor confirmed in a statement to The Athletic that it investigated reports of an incident involving Rhoades and said “appropriate actions were taken.” The school said Rhoades “expressed regret over his emotions” and that the matter was closed.

Michael Trigg Sr. told The Athletic his son wore the undershirt to cover a shoulder brace and that Rhoades later apologized face-to-face. “For someone in the administration to have those choice words for a student-athlete? And that's the first interaction you've ever had with one of your better players? That doesn’t make sense to me," Trigg said. 

Rhoades has been Baylor’s AD since 2016, has led the department through major transitions and remains one of the most influential figures in college athletics. Trigg, a fifth-year senior, leads all FBS tight ends in receiving yards and was one of eight players named as a John Mackey Award semifinalist on Thursday. 

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