Arkansas lineman accused of purposefully hurting Texas Tech player breaks silence after ridicule

Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona faced backlash after a video captured him stepping on the ankle of a Texas Tech player during the Liberty Bowl. The incident sparked outrage among fans and even led to calls for Carmona to be banned from the game.
Carmona, however, broke his silence on the matter and issued an apology for his actions. In a post on social media, he expressed regret for letting his emotions get the best of him and emphasized his respect for both Texas Tech and the game of football. He acknowledged that he is not the type of player to engage in such behavior and vowed to learn from the experience.
The controversial moment occurred during the fourth quarter of the Liberty Bowl, where the Razorbacks emerged victorious with a 39-26 win over the Red Raiders. The incident involved Carmona stepping on the ankle of C.J. Baskerville, causing immediate pain to the Texas Tech player.
Baskerville, who was the leading tackler for Texas Tech in the game, described Carmona’s actions as “dirty” and accused him of intentionally causing harm. The incident sparked a heated exchange between the two players, with Baskerville calling out Carmona for his behavior.
Despite the controversy, Carmona’s performance on the field cannot be denied. The junior offensive lineman had a successful season with the Razorbacks after transferring from San Jose State. His contributions to the team were instrumental in their victory at the Liberty Bowl.
In the aftermath of the incident, both players have since moved on from the controversy. Carmona’s apology and Baskerville’s statements have helped bring closure to the situation. As the football season progresses, both teams will continue to focus on their respective goals and strive for success on the field.