In a recent Liberty Bowl matchup between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas Tech Red Raiders, a controversial incident has ignited widespread debate and condemnation.
Arkansas offensive lineman Fernando Carmona was captured on video appearing to intentionally stomp on the ankle of Texas Tech defensive back CJ Baskerville, leading to accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct and calls for disciplinary action.
The incident occurred late in the fourth quarter of the game, which concluded with a 39-26 victory for Arkansas. As players disentangled from a pileup following a running play, Baskerville remained on the ground after making a tackle. Footage shows Carmona approaching the area, seemingly nudging players aside before deliberately stepping on Baskerville’s ankle and applying pressure. Baskerville reacted in visible pain, while officials on the field appeared to miss the act.
Following the game, Baskerville took to social media to express his outrage. He posted two videos of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“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 … @RazorbackFB.”
The post quickly gained traction, amassing nearly four million views and eliciting a flood of reactions from fans and commentators. Many expressed their dismay at Carmona’s actions, with some calling for severe repercussions. One user wrote, “This should be his last game ever. What a loser.” Another commented, “This was absolutely on purpose… He should be kicked off the team and the team should be fined.”
In response to the mounting criticism, Carmona issued a public apology. He wrote on X:
“I would like to apologize for my actions last Friday night at the Liberty Bowl. I let my emotions get away from me. I have nothing but respect for Texas Tech and the game of football. My apologies to my team and coaches. I’m not that kind of player and I’ll learn from this.”
Despite the apology, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about sportsmanship and player conduct in college football. While the game is inherently physical, intentional acts that could cause injury are universally condemned. As of now, neither the University of Arkansas nor the NCAA has announced any disciplinary measures against Carmona.
The Liberty Bowl itself was a showcase of offensive prowess, with Arkansas amassing 559 yards to Texas Tech … . Razorbacks’ junior quarterback Taylen Green delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 341 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing 81 yards and a touchdown on the ground. However, the game’s outcome has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Carmona’s actions.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and integrity on the field. As the college football community awaits potential further actions, the hope remains that such episodes will lead to increased awareness and efforts to uphold the values that define the sport.
