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Fans across the nation condemn Arkansas OL for stomping on Texas Tech defender

The backlash from fans around the country has been strong as video of Fernando Carmona stomping on Texas Tech's CJ Baskerville after a play makes the rounds.
ByMatthew Conner|
UAB v Arkansas
UAB v Arkansas | Wesley Hitt/GettyImages

Unfortunately, the one thing that people around the country are talking about after Friday's AutoZone Liberty Bowl had nothing to do with football. Instead, what has garnered national attention is the despicable action by Arkansas offensive lineman Fernando Carmona who intentionally stomped on the ankle of Texas Tech safety CJ Baskerville after a play.

Though there were plenty of lowlights from the Red Raiders in their 39-26 loss to the Razorbacks to end the 2024 season, the biggest disaster from the night was Carmona's decision to try to injure Baskerville. That is what has become the lasting talking point from that game, even for people who had no rooting interest.

Late in the fourth quarter, just prior to the 2-minute timeout, Baskerville was laying on the ground as players unpiled after a play. Carmona then came into the area where be began nudging Tech players out of the way and trying to pull his teammates up.

In the process, he took it upon himself to stomp on Baskerville's ankle. It was obvious that the incident wasn't a case of Carmona accidentally stepping on Baskerville.

Rather, anyone who sees the video can tell that Carmona put his full weight (322 pounds) on Baskerville's joint and tried to inflict pain and injury. After that, Baskerville immediately grabbed his ankle and writhed in pain.

What's more, in a post on social media, Baskerville alleges that Carmona had choice words following the incident. Baskerville claims that the junior from Las Vegas called him a profane term as part of a comment that would indicate that Carmona's actions were intentional.

Whether or not Carmona actually made the remark that Baskerville claims he did is something only the two players will know. However, fans around the country, even those who have no rooting interest between Texas Tech and Arkansas, are showing disgust toward the action that Carmona took toward Baskerville. That includes former NFL running back Le'Veon Bell.

As you can see, the outcry from around the nation has been loud and universal. Virtually everyone wants to see Carmona punished for his actions. Now, it will be interesting to see what the Arkansas football program or the SEC decides to do in response.