Baylor Coach Slaps Journalist During Interview, Sparks Outrage and Investigation
Waco, TX — In a shocking and dramatic turn of events, Baylor University football head coach Ron Mitchell has been caught on camera slapping a journalist during a post-game interview, sparking widespread outrage and leading to an ongoing investigation by both the university and the NCAA.
The incident occurred late Saturday night following a tense 24-21 loss to Texas Tech, a defeat that many had predicted would further derail Baylor’s already struggling season. After the game, Coach Mitchell was scheduled for a brief media availability in the team’s locker room. As usual, reporters gathered to ask questions about the game’s outcome, with many focusing on the team’s mistakes and missed opportunities.
However, tensions quickly escalated when sports journalist Kyle Matthews, a well-known and outspoken reporter from the Waco Tribune, pressed Coach Mitchell on a controversial decision made late in the fourth quarter. Matthews asked the coach about his choice to pass the ball on a crucial 3rd-and-2 instead of relying on the team’s strong running game, which had been productive throughout the game.
“You had a chance to control the clock, get the first down, and keep the game alive,” Matthews asked, his voice steady but pointed. “Why didn’t you stick with the run? It seems like it cost you the game.”
Mitchell, who had been visibly frustrated with the team’s performance throughout the game, responded coldly, “We felt good about the play calling.” But Matthews wasn’t done.
“I’ve spoken to some of your players, and they’ve expressed frustration about the lack of consistency in the offense,” Matthews pressed. “Could this loss be a result of coaching decisions rather than player execution?”
The question clearly struck a nerve with Mitchell, who bristled at the suggestion that his coaching was to blame for the loss. The coach shot Matthews a sharp glare before taking a step toward him. What followed was an unprecedented and deeply unsettling moment in sports journalism: Mitchell slapped Matthews across the face, knocking the journalist’s glasses off and sending a shockwave through the locker room.
The slap, which was caught on video by multiple reporters present, was met with stunned silence before chaos erupted in the room. Journalists rushed to intervene, while members of the Baylor staff quickly pulled Mitchell away from Matthews. Matthews, who was left momentarily stunned, was later seen visibly shaken but unharmed.
“I’ve never experienced anything like that in my career,” Matthews said in an interview after the incident. “I’ve covered some tense moments in sports, but nothing like this. No one expects to be treated that way, especially by someone in a position of power like Coach Mitchell.”
Baylor University has since released a statement condemning Mitchell’s actions. “We are deeply disturbed by the actions of Coach Ron Mitchell during the post-game interview,” the statement read. “The university takes matters of respect and conduct seriously, and we are conducting a full investigation into the incident. We will take appropriate action based on the findings.”
The fallout from the incident has been swift. Fans, alumni, and journalists alike have expressed outrage over Mitchell’s behavior. Social media has erupted with calls for his resignation, and some are questioning whether the incident is indicative of deeper issues within the program’s culture.
“This is beyond a momentary lapse in judgment,” said sports psychologist Dr. Linda Harris. “It’s a reflection of a much larger problem, and it raises questions about Coach Mitchell’s ability to manage stress and maintain professionalism under pressure.”
Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades has stated that the university is fully committed to investigating the incident and will cooperate with both internal and external authorities. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate it,” Rhoades said in a press conference.
Coach Mitchell, for his part, has yet to publicly apologize for the slap, though sources close to him say that he is “deeply remorseful” for his actions. With the investigation ongoing, the future of Coach Mitchell—and possibly the Baylor football program—remains uncertain. What began as a tough loss for Baylor now looms as a defining moment in the coach’s career.
