Robert Griffin III reacts to Mack Rhoades leave of absence at Baylor amid new accusations

Robert Griffin III is hurting for his alma mater. After Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades took a leave of absence due to “personal reasons” on Thursday, the former Bears QB tweeted, “My Baylor Bears can’t catch a break man.”

Per Yahoo! Sports‘ Ross Dellenger, Baylor was made aware of allegations involving Rhoades. The allegations are not connected to Rhoades’ reported confrontation with Baylor tight end Michael Trigg and an unnamed Bears assistant coach that occurred on Sept. 20 during a home loss to Arizona State.

Additionally, Dellenger reported these new allegations “do not involve Title IX or any direct interaction with a Baylor athlete.” Rhoades also stepped down from his role as chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee. Baylor confirmed Rhoades’ decision to step away from his role as AD in a written statement.

“Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades is on a leave of absence for personal reasons, effective November 12,” Baylor’s statement read, per On3’s Pete Nakos. “The University will decline to comment further at this time.”

Rhoades has been Baylor’s athletic director since 2016. He’s also served as AD at Missouri, Houston and Akron.

Robert Griffin III played at Baylor from 2008-11. In his senior season with the Bears, he threw for 4,293 yards and 37 touchdowns, compared to just six interceptions.

Additionally, Griffin racked up 699 yards and 10 scores on the ground game. For his efforts, he was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and awarded the Heisman Trophy.

Griffin still boasts the most passing yards, passing touchdowns and total offense by a player in Baylor history. Baylor posted a 10-3 record in the 2011 campaign. Griffin was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

After a standout rookie year, Griffin suffered a slew of injuries that ultimately derailed his career. While Griffin now serves as an analyst for Fox Sports, he still wants to see Baylor succeed.

The Bears are 5-4 this season and Rhoades’ decision to take a leave of absence could cause distractions in the football program. On Monday, Baylor head coach Dave Aranda was asked about the previous investigation into Mack Rhoades for his alleged interaction with Michael Trigg.

“No, you know, that’s an HR deal, that’s above my pay grade,” Aranda said. “The team is in a good spot, energy-wise, in a good spot, focus-wise. It’s going to take our best to put up a fight.”