Mack Rhoades, the Baylor athletic director and College Football Playoff selection committee chair, was recently investigated by Baylor following a sideline incident involving a player on September 20. The incident reportedly led to a separate confrontation with an assistant coach later that same day, according to an initial report by OutKick.
**The Sideline Incident**
Rhoades allegedly approached Baylor star tight end Michael Trigg over an issue concerning Trigg’s yellow, long-sleeved undershirt worn during the Bears’ game against Arizona State. Sources told OutKick that Rhoades put his hands on Trigg and asked, “What the f*ck are you wearing that yellow shirt for?” This interaction occurred moments before Baylor’s opening drive.
Multiple assistants were present along the sidelines when the incident took place. According to sources, Rhoades confronted Trigg just as the ball was being kicked off to start the game, physically touching the player while questioning his choice of undershirt.
**After the Game: Another Confrontation**
Following the game, Rhoades was involved in a separate incident with a Baylor assistant coach. The coach was visiting with Trigg and his family when Rhoades reportedly approached from behind, grabbing the assistant’s arm and subsequently his shoulder and neck area.
Sources say Rhoades then verbally accosted the assistant coach. Several Baylor athletic department staff members and family members witnessed this altercation.
**Reaction from Baylor Staff**
The Athletic confirmed the investigation into the incidents, noting that Baylor head coach Dave Aranda and tight ends coach Jarrett Anderson had heated discussions with Rhoades about his conduct.
Staff members, including Aranda and Anderson, expressed strong concerns regarding the behavior. The incident reportedly had a lingering impact on Trigg throughout the day.
**Support for Michael Trigg**
Michael Trigg Sr., the tight end’s father, spoke with The Athletic about the situation. He revealed that Anderson stood up for his son during the incident.
“(My son) wanted us to change our flight home to come talk to (Rhoades) on Monday, but Coach Anderson said he’s going to handle it,” Trigg Sr. said. “He advocated for him during the game. Everything’s good now. I don’t want anything to disrupt his football.”
Trigg Sr. expressed gratitude for Anderson’s support: “I’m glad Coach Anderson was there. He’s a hell of a dude. When you see your son in school you want someone to advocate for him.”
He also clarified the reason behind Trigg’s choice of undershirt, stating that his son wore the yellow long-sleeved shirt to cover a shoulder injury brace.
**Baylor’s Statement**
In response to the situation, Baylor issued the following statement:
> “More than a month ago, Baylor University received reports of an incident involving Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades. 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.”
**About Michael Trigg**
Michael Trigg is regarded as one of the top tight end prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. This season, he has recorded 40 receptions for 607 yards, averaging 15.2 yards per catch, and has scored six touchdowns.
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