Baylor AD Rhoades Takes Leave, Quits CFP Chairman Role

Baylor University athletic director Mack Rhoades has stepped down as chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee and begun a leave of absence from his position at the school, effective Wednesday.

The university announced the move Thursday in a statement, citing personal reasons for Rhoades's decision, which he initiated himself. Officials provided no further details and declined additional comment. Rhoades, 60, has served as Baylor's athletic director since 2016, following stints in the same role at Missouri, Houston and Akron.

The departure comes amid an ongoing internal investigation at Baylor involving Rhoades, though university sources described the probe as unrelated to a prior inquiry into an alleged confrontation during a football game earlier this season. That earlier incident, which occurred on September 20 against Arizona State, centered on Rhoades approaching tight end Michael Trigg just before kickoff. According to reports, Trigg wore a long-sleeved yellow shirt under his uniform to cover an arm brace, prompting Rhoades to place his hands on the player and question the attire using an expletive. Trigg caught two touchdown passes in Baylor's 27-24...