Arkansas Razorbacks left tackle Fernando Carmona is under fire after a controversial incident during his team’s 39-26 victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Liberty Bowl on Friday.
The game, held in Memphis, Tennessee, was marked by a moment of alleged foul play that has sparked outrage among college football fans.
The controversy arose in the second quarter when Arkansas running back Braylen Russell completed a six-yard rush.
As players scrambled to get back on their feet, footage shows Carmona, a team captain, standing over Texas Tech’s CJ Baskerville, who remained on the ground after making the tackle.
Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement
In the video, Carmona appears to intentionally stomp on Baskerville’s ankle, pressing his weight onto the player’s leg.
Baskerville can be seen writhing in pain on the field following the incident. Despite the severity of the act, game officials appeared to miss the foul play, and no penalty was issued.
This should be his (55) last game ever. What a loser. . @RazorbackFB @TexasTechFB @CodyC64 pic.twitter.com/NB2tWGmPVk
— Zak Coppinger ☠️ (@ZZCopp) December 28, 2024
Fans took to social media to express their anger and call for disciplinary action against Carmona.
“This should be his last game ever. What a loser,” one fan wrote.
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
Another comment read, “This was absolutely on purpose. You can tell he held his right leg up until he was on top of the other guy’s ankle, and then he pressed down. A normal step wouldn’t have had that hesitation. He should be kicked off the team, and the team should be fined.”
One fan went as far as to say, “He should be banned from playing football forever!”
Some commenters directed their criticism toward the NFL, urging scouts and coaches to take note of the incident. “I hope every NFL scout and coach sees this. What a terrible thing to do,” one user posted.
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 pic.twitter.com/QccDSfiiQ4
— CJ (HOUNDS) BASKERVILLE (@c9baskerville) December 28, 2024
Despite the controversy, Arkansas secured a commanding victory over Texas Tech, pulling away in the second half. Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 341 yards and two touchdowns.
Green also rushed for 81 yards and scored a touchdown on 15 carries.
Arkansas amassed a total of 559 yards, with Green leading a big-play offense that overwhelmed the Red Raiders.
Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond, filling in for injured starter Behren Morton, completed 20 of 34 passes for 280 yards, a touchdown, and two second-half interceptions.
The Red Raiders mounted a comeback in the second quarter, cutting a 21-3 deficit to 21-19.
However, they struggled to keep up in the second half as Arkansas regained control.
As of now, neither the NCAA nor Arkansas has issued an official statement regarding Carmona’s actions.
It remains unclear whether disciplinary measures will be taken, though the incident has reignited debates over player conduct and accountability in college football.
The Razorbacks’ victory improved their record to 8-5, but the shadow of controversy surrounding Carmona’s foul play may linger as the team prepares for its next season.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Arkansas and the NCAA respond to the widespread criticism.
Doing Something About It: Louisiana US Senate Primary | The Rob Maness Show EP 672
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.
And nowadays, the kids GET PAID to PLAY which I think is TOTALLY WRONG, this PROVES they aren’t MATURE enough.
32 teams in the Nudniks Freaks and Losers (NFL) will be competing to draft this class(less) character.
Yes, and what will he do as a “professional” player?
If he makes it to the pro’s someone will get seriously hurt or killed.
Permanent ban, period.
What he did was horrible & he could have permanently injured the player.
Bread and circuse led directly to the collapse of Roman Republic. Same factors in play now, in America.
There is NO place in ANY sport for this kind of UNSPORTSMANLIKE play.
At the very least he should NOT be allowed on the field for the rest of the season or next.
But I would NOT be against a lifetime ban from professional sports period.
There NEED to be repercussions for actions in life. And the more severe the action, the more severe the punishment. Otherwise, it will only get worse.
Ask Pete Rose about that and all he did was place a bet. He did NOT try to hurt someone on the field of play deliberately.
While a Chiefs player was given a 15 yard penalty for doing the Trump dance after scoring, this jerk gets away with injuring a defenseless player on purpose?
remove him forever
SUE HIS ASS!
PROSECUTE HIS ASS!