Arkansas Razorbacks player Fernando Carmona has finally spoken out amid calls for him to be banned from football for life after he deliberately stomped on a rival’s ankle.
Furious college football fans took to social media to demand the offensive linemen never play again after a shocking piece of foul play in Arkansas’ 39-26 win over Texas Tech in Friday’s Liberty Bowl.
Footage showed the moment Carmona stood over helpless Texas Tech player CJ Baskerville as he lay on the ground and stomped on his ankle with his full body weight.
Amid a barrage of criticism, Carmona finally spoke out about the incident on Sunday night and offered a groveling apology.
He posted on X: ‘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.’
Arkansas player Fernando Carmona has finally spoken out after stomping on his rival’s ankle
Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho has called Arkansas player Fernando Carmona ‘trash’
Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho called Carmona ‘trash’ on social media.
The former Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants player posted on X: ‘I’m sharing this because #55 (Carmona) is trash for this and deserves public shame. The end.’
It came after a furious Baskerville posted two videos of the incident on X, writing alongside them: ‘There’s no denying that Arkansas played a great game last night, I am not taking that away from them.
‘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.’
In the footage, Baskerville can be seen writhing around on the floor in pain afterwards, although the referees appeared to miss it.
Angry fans took to social media immediately after the incident to call for Carmona Jr. to be banned for life.
One wrote: ‘This should be his last game ever. What a loser.’
Acho joined the backlash on social media after his deliberate ankle stomp on CJ Baskerville
Baskerville took to social media to condemn Carmona’s actions as ‘straight up dirty’
Another commented: ‘This was absolutely on purpose. You can tell he held his right leg up until he was on top of the other guy’s ankle, and then he press down.
‘A normal step wouldn’t have had that hesitation. He should be kicked off the team and the team should be fined.’
A third posted: ‘I hope every NFL scout and coach sees this. What a terrible thing to do.’
‘He should be banned from playing football forever!’ another commented.
One comment read: ‘I mean, to have that even come into our mind to do, let alone actually do it… Wow. Absolutely cut him immediately.’
