Arkansas Razorbacks lineman Fernando Carmona has issued a public apology following criticism of his actions during the Liberty Bowl against Texas Tech. The incident, which occurred in the second half, involved Carmona stepping on Texas Tech defensive back CJ Baskerville during a heated moment on the field. The act was caught on camera and quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread condemnation from fans and analysts alike.
Carmona addressed the controversy in a statement on Tuesday, expressing deep regret for his behavior. “I want to apologize to CJ Baskerville, my teammates, coaches, and Razorback fans,” Carmona said. “My actions were unacceptable and not representative of the values of our program. I let my emotions get the best of me, and I take full responsibility for my mistake.”
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman also commented on the incident, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “We hold our players to a high standard of conduct both on and off the field,” Pittman stated. “Fernando’s actions do not align with our expectations, and we have addressed the matter internally.”
Baskerville, who was unharmed during the incident, accepted Carmona’s apology. “It’s part of the game,” he said. “We all make mistakes, and I respect that he owned up to it.”
The Razorbacks went on to win the Liberty Bowl in a close 31-27 game, but the controversy overshadowed their victory. Fans and analysts have called for greater accountability and stricter enforcement of sportsmanship rules in college football.
Carmona’s apology marks a step toward reconciliation, but it also serves as a reminder of the emotional intensity in high-stakes games and the importance of maintaining professionalism on the field.