Arkansas Razorbacks lineman Fernando Carmona has issued an apology following widespread criticism over his actions during the team’s Liberty Bowl victory against Texas Tech. The controversy erupted after video footage surfaced showing Carmona stepping on the ankle of Texas Tech safety CJ Baskerville in what appeared to be an intentional act. The incident, which occurred in the third quarter, quickly went viral, sparking outrage among fans and analysts.
Baskerville initially called out Carmona in a now-deleted social media post, describing the act as “dirty” and calling for accountability. Fans echoed these sentiments, with many demanding disciplinary action from the team or the NCAA. Some even compared Carmona’s behavior to previous high-profile unsportsmanlike incidents in college football.
In response, Carmona took to social media to address the backlash, expressing remorse for his actions. “I lost my composure in the heat of the moment, and I take full responsibility for that,” he wrote. “I respect my opponents and the game of football, and I never intended to injure anyone. I will learn from this and be better moving forward.”
Despite the controversy, Arkansas secured a 39-26 win over Texas Tech, capping off their season with a strong performance. Head coach Sam Pittman was asked about the incident postgame but declined to comment, stating that the team would handle the matter internally.
It remains unclear if Carmona will face further repercussions, but his apology has received mixed reactions. Some fans appreciate his accountability, while others believe the incident warrants a suspension. Regardless, the moment has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a positive ending to Arkansas’ season.