Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona was ridiculed after he was caught on video stepping on the ankle of a Texas Tech player during the Liberty Bowl over the weekend.
Mr Carmona broke his silence on the matter and apologized for what had happened.
“I would like to apologize for my actions last Friday night at the Liberty Bowl,” Carmona wrote on X, adding, “I let my emotions get the best of me. I have nothing but respect for Texas Tech and the game of football. I apologize.” said. To my team and coaches, I'm not that type of player and I'm going to learn from this. ”
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The Arkansas Razorbacks offense during a college football game between the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Lineman Fernando Carmona, 55, reacts. (Andy Altenberger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Many took exception to Carmona stepping on CJ Baskerville's ankle, leading to widespread belief that it was done intentionally. Some even said they wanted him “permanently banned” from the game.
Carmona's actions caused immediate distress to Baskerville. Carmona, on the other hand, tried to play off, as if helping his teammates off the grass.
Baskerville accused Carmona of playing “dirty”.
“There's no denying that Arkansas played a great game last night. I'm not going to take that away from them. But #55 Fernando Carmona blatantly stepping on my ankle and intentionally squeezing my ankle was just filthy. ” Baskerville wrote in X. Saturday.
Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona, 55, celebrates with fans after the Razorbacks defeated the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. (John Reid Imagine Images)
“Keep saying, ‘I got your ass.’ Try harder.”
The incident occurred during the fourth quarter of the Razorbacks' 39-26 victory over the Red Raiders to win the bowl game.
Baskerville was Texas Tech's top tackler again in the game, totaling 10 pass deflections and one pass deflection. In his senior season, he totaled 52 tackles and had four interceptions.
Arkansas Razorbacks offensive linemen during a college football game between the Mississippi Rebels and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 2, 2024 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. , Fernando Carmona (55 years old). (Andy Altenberger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Carmona is a junior who spent the 2023-24 season with the San Jose State Spartans before transferring to Arkansas.
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