Arkansas offensive lineman issues apology after viral video during Liberty Bowl

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Arkansas offensive lineman Fernando Carmona issued an apology on social media on Sunday, a day after a viral video showed him reportedly stepping on a Texas Tech player during the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.

The video, originally posted by Red Raiders defensive back C.J. Baskerville on Saturday, shows Carmona walking toward a pile of players and stepping on Baskerville’s ankle before helping up running back Braylen Russell with around two minutes left in Arkansas’ 39-26 win.

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 05: Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona (55) flexes his arms during the college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Arkansas Razorbacks on October 5, 2024, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“There’s no denying that Arkansas played a great game last night, I am not taking that away from them,” Baskerville said in a post on X that has been viewed more than 4 million times. “But #55 Fernando Carmona blatantly stepping on my ankle and pressing down on it on purpose is straight up dirty. Proceeds to say ‘got your b**** a***.’ Do better @RazorbackFB.”

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Carmona responded with a post on X on Sunday apologizing for the incident.

“I’d like to apologize for my actions last Friday night in the Liberty Bowl,” Carmona said. “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.”

On Dec. 4, Carmona announced he would return to Arkansas for the 2025 season. He started every game this season at left tackle for the Razorbacks and was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week two times after wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Tennessee.