Till now, the 2024 season has not run out of any drama. But looks like as the season is drawing towards the end, the scenes are getting uglier. Even though Sam Pittman’s Arkansas Razorbacks won the hearts of the fans, landing a 39-26 defeat to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. However, somewhere they have stooped too low.

All thanks to their 322 lb giant, Arkansas offensive lineman, who played it dirty. Sadly, he used his foot not to run but for some stomping action. Now that’s not what a captain or rather any athlete must do, right? 

Sam Pittman’s celebration cut short by a player’s foul play

Friday, December 27 turned out to be a lucky day for Pittman’s program. When the clock struck zero inside the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, the Arkansas HC might have let out a big sigh of relief. After all, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl victory marked Pittman’s third winning season as the Razorbacks HC. Just when the HC thought of throwing a party, one misstep by a player left him looking for a spot to hide. That’s none other than their offensive lineman, Fernando Carmona. Things were going all well, until a video went viral, where Pittman’s heavyweight star was caught in a foul play. So what’s the hoopla all about?

After the Liberty Bowl, Red Raiders safety CJ Baskerville called out Carmona. When Baskerville went to make a tackle on a Braylen Russell run just before the two-minute timeout in the fourth quarter, they wound up in the pile of players. As found in the viral clip, as the teams sorted through, Carmona entered the scene. Pittman’s offensive lineman was standing, after which he appeared to step on Baskerville’s ankle. 

Now that’s not something that was expected from Carmona, a redshirt junior from Las Vegas, Nevada. After all, he started nine games for Arkansas this season. Plus, he was crowned as the SEC offensive lineman of the week, twice, and served as the Razorbacks captain. However, Baskerville is not quite interested in what Carmona brings to the gridiron. Instead, he blasts out at Pittman’s weapon.   

How Sam Pittman’s respectful approach went for a toss 

The Liberty Bowl has been indeed a special one for Baskerville. After all, it marked the final game of his collegiate career. The former San Diego State transfer had a picture-perfect two seasons with the Red Raiders. However, it ended on a bitter note. So he went straight up accusing Caroma on X. The upset Texas Tech senior safety wrote, “There’s no denying that Arkansas played a great game last night, I am not taking that away from them. But #55 Fernando Carmona blatantly stepping on my ankle and pressing down on it on purpose is straight up dirty. Proceeds to say “got your b**** a***.” Do better @RazorbackFB.”

Now Razorbacks players playing it dirty with Texas Tech is something that seems to be out of Pittman’s syllabus. After all, the Arkansas HC has been extremely respectful towards the rivals.  Before facing off, Pittman shared how their preparation is difficult for an opponent like Texas Tech. 

“I think that’s what- I’m not gonna speak for Coach. What a great coach he is. But for us, this was all about just preparing us, because there is a lot of unknowns. We know they’re very aggressive defensively, both in a four-down line and in an odd front we know they’re very aggressive. So we moved a lot,” stated Sam Pittman. Until now, neither Fernando Carmona nor Arkansas have issued a comment on the apparent dirty play.