What started as a seemingly minor moment in Arkansas’ 13-point Liberty Bowl win has quickly turned into the hottest topic of the offseason. In the final minutes of the game, footage shows Fernando Carmona stepping on the ankle of Texas Tech’s C.J. Baskerville while walking over a pile of players. Although the officials missed it, the incident went viral after Baskerville shared it online, accusing Carmona of taunting him with a derogatory remark and calling the act “straight up dirty.”
The video sparked a massive backlash across social media, with media personalities and former NFL players, including Kyle Long and Emmanuel Ocho, condemning Carmona’s actions. Even Bobby Bones, a staunch Razorback supporter, weighed in, highlighting the negative optics for Arkansas football.
Carmona did apologize on social media, acknowledging his loss of control, but the apology felt incomplete—he didn’t directly address Baskerville, which many felt was necessary for true accountability. Now, Carmona needs to take that crucial next step by reaching out to Baskerville personally and making amends.
If Carmona does not do so, Coach Sam Pittman must step in and set an example of accountability for the program. A one-game suspension at the start of next season, regardless of how far off it is, could send a powerful message about the seriousness with which Arkansas handles such issues. This would also allow Pittman to emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes and upholding the spirit of sportsmanship.
Meanwhile, while Carmona is embroiled in this controversy, Pittman’s leadership is under scrutiny as well. Former Razorback Dwight McGlothern reignited a firestorm by accusing Pittman of benching him out of spite during the 2023 season and talking behind his back to NFL scouts. McGlothern, one of the nation’s top cornerbacks, went undrafted, which has led to more questions about the direction of the Arkansas program.
As the offseason unfolds, these developments raise critical questions about Sam Pittman’s ability to retain talent, prepare his teams, and make the right in-game decisions. The 2025 season looms large for Pittman, as expectations continue to grow for the Razorbacks to turn the corner and deliver results that match the potential of their players. The pressure is on, and how Pittman handles these challenges will shape the future of Arkansas football.
