Baylor investigates athletic director Mack Rhoades after an alleged sideline confrontation with tight end Michael Trigg, The Athletic reports.
WACO, Texas — Baylor Vice President and Director of Athletics Mack B. Rhoades IV was the subject of a university investigation following an alleged sideline confrontation with redshirt senior tight end Michael Trigg, according to The Athletic.
The incident reportedly occurred during the opening kickoff of Baylor’s Sept. 20 game against Arizona State. The Athletic reported that Rhoades confronted Trigg over his long-sleeved yellow undershirt — worn to cover a shoulder brace — and that multiple members of the coaching staff, including head coach Dave Aranda and tight ends coach Jarrett Anderson, later exchanged heated words with Rhoades about what happened.
Trigg was visibly emotional during the game but still led the Bears in receiving with 71 yards and two touchdowns, The Athletic reported. Despite being among the Big 12’s top tight ends and a semifinalist for the Mackey Award, he has not been made available to the media this season.
Trigg’s father, Michael Trigg Sr., told The Athletic that his son wanted his parents to come to Waco to address the situation directly with Rhoades. However, Anderson intervened on the player’s behalf, assuring the family he would handle it.
“What bothers me is, Baylor is a Christian school,” Trigg Sr. told The Athletic. “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.”
In a statement shared with The Athletic, Baylor confirmed it had investigated reports involving Rhoades and said “appropriate actions were taken.” The university added that Rhoades expressed regret for his behavior, acknowledging it did not reflect Baylor’s Christian values, and that the matter is now considered closed.