Texas Tech defensive back CJ Baskerville is involved in a major college football controversy after losing the Liberty Bowl on Friday. Arkansas offensive lineman Fernando Carmona intentionally stomped on his ankle during the closing moments of the fourth quarter.
Unfortunately, Razorbacks fans are trying to justify the ugly incident by pointing their blame back on the victim.
Multiple videos of the ankle stomp definitively prove that it was a purposeful attempt to injure an opponent. Carmona has since accepted responsibility and apologized for his actions as calls for an indefinite suspension continue to mount.
I’d like to apologize for my actions last Friday night in the Liberty Bowl. I let my emotions get away from me. I have nothing but respect for Texas Tech and the game of football. I apologize to my team and coaches. I’m not that kind of player and will learn from this.
— Fernando Carmona
In response to the ongoing discourse, a small group of Arkansas fans joined together to downplay their offensive lineman’s big mistake. They accused Baskerville of being equally as dirty of a player and provided video evidence for their ludicrous claims.
He made a pair of completely legal tackles during the game that just so happened to be below the waist. One of the two saved a touchdown. Baskerville dove head-first and tripped up wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa right before the goal line. Here is a look at the two plays in question:
Can we put CJ on blast now and have it go viral? You know since he’s wants so much attention. pic.twitter.com/5QKKzUeekW
— Just a Hog Fan (@just_a_hog_fan) December 29, 2024
Hogs fans are trying to say that he deserves just as much criticism as Fernando Carmona.
Can we put CJ on blast now and have it go viral? You know since he’s wants so much attention.
— @just_a_hog_fan on X
CJ Baskerville cannot believe it.
You’re joking right…
— @c9baskerville on X
At the end of the day, Arkansas fans can say whatever they want. They’re wrong. Carmona should be suspended for an extended period of time for stomping on Baskerville’s ankle. Nothing that occurred prior to that moment warranted such behavior. Both of Baskerville’s tackles that supposedly justified Carmona’s actions were completely legal. Neither tackle was problematic.
There is no blame for the Hogs to place on anyone but their own. For them to try and do is a bad look for the entire Arkansas football fanbase even if it is just a few fringe lunatics who are making the noise.