During Baylor’s Week 4 matchup against Arizona State, an unexpected sideline incident caught the attention of many. AD Mack Rhoades was seen visibly angry, appearing to grab the jersey of a Baylor player during the game. This incident prompted the program to launch an internal investigation on Friday. Baylor head coach later addressed the matter with just six words.

In the first quarter of the game against Arizona, Mack Rhoades was seen storming to the sidelines and grabbing the shirt of TE Michael Trigg. That was because Trigg was wearing a gold, long-sleeved undershirt, which Rhoades did not like, as the rest of the team was wearing dark-colored undershirts.

Rhoades reportedly used an expletive and questioned Trigg, asking, “What the f*** are you wearing that yellow shirt for?” A lot of assistant coaches and the nearby staff witnessed this. This situation resulted in an internal investigation, as reported by the Athletic. But HC Dave Aranda didn’t entertain that drama, and had a quite diplomatic response to the situation.

When asked by 365Sports journalist David Smoak whether an AD should be that involved with the team pre- or postgame, Aranda simply replied, saying “Our focus is on this game,” referring to the upcoming Utah clash in Week 12. It seems the head coach does not want to get involved in the matter or further stretch the controversy, now that the last stages of the regular season are approaching.

The Athletic report also states that Dave Aranda and TE coach Jarrett Anderson clashed with Rhoades after the incident. It said that Rhoades grabbed the assistant’s arm, shoulder, and neck area, and verbally accosted him.

According to the source of the report, the CFP selection committee chairman’s action had a lingering effect on Michael Trigg, even saying, “Trigg got rattled. It messed him up.”

Baylor also issued a long statement post their investigation. Some of it read, “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.”

This could be why the HC refuses to comment on the situation, as the matter seems to be closed and doesn’t need more fuel.

Michael Trigg has recorded 40 receptions for 607 yards and six touchdowns, making him one of the most productive tight ends in the Big 12 this season. So, a situation like this was bound to rattle him, especially since he was called out not for his performance, but for wearing an underarm shirt.

Trigg’s father, Michael Trigg Sr., also shared insights into why his son wore the underarm shirt and what happened afterwards.

Michael Trigg Sr. defends his son

Mack Rhoades’ heated exchange with Michael Trigg was explained, but the question remains: why did Trigg choose to wear a different-colored underarm shirt in the first place? According to Michael Trigg Sr., his son wore the yellow undershirt because he had a shoulder injury, and the long-sleeved shirt covered his brace.

And while the events initially rattled Trigg, he asked his parents to fly to Waco, Texas, to speak with Mack Rhoades. However, they ultimately decided against it.

“(Trigg) wanted us to change our flight home to come talk to (Rhoades) on Monday, but Coach Anderson said he’s going to handle it. He advocated for him during the game. Everything’s good now. I don’t want anything to disrupt his football,” Michael Trigg Sr. told the Athletic. With important games coming up, it seems like the Trigg family wants to move on from this situation.

As of now, Mack Rhoades has not publicly addressed the situation. He continues to serve as the chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee.