Baylor Bears coach Art Briles has drawn a great deal of criticism regarding his players’ recent off-field transgressions, and he could now be paying for that with his job. Appearing on The Paul Finebaum Show, Mac Engel of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram said that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Briles was indeed fired.
Is Shawn Oakman strike 3 for Art Briles at Baylor? @MacEngelProf says his source in Waco "wouldn't be surprised" if Briles was fired
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) April 26, 2016
Of course, Engel took to Twitter immediately and clarified that he did not think Briles’ job was in immediate danger, but reiterated that nothing would surprise him at this point.
I do not think it will happen but, at this point, nothing would surprise me https://t.co/yAS7dEGuQz
— Mac Engel (@MacEngelProf) April 26, 2016
Think you are very likely right https://t.co/rMl2ePYPWK
— Mac Engel (@MacEngelProf) April 26, 2016
I am not thinking any of the above will happen. That report would have to be just so horrendous https://t.co/j92MpnrADE
— Mac Engel (@MacEngelProf) April 26, 2016
Agreed. Start w/it's not a witch hunt. I don't think these are bad people. I dont agree w/how they have handled this https://t.co/DY439ysO69
— Mac Engel (@MacEngelProf) April 26, 2016
Even if Briles’ job is not in danger at this point, just what Baylor football’s reputation has become the past several months has not done him any favors. Former linebacker Sam Ukwuachu was convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to six months’ jail time back in August, and rumors swirled about just how much Briles and his staff knew about Ukwuachu’s violent past at Boise State.
More recently, earlier this month to be exact, former Bears star pass-rusher Shawn Oakman was arrested on a sexual assault charge and has gone from being a possible mid-to-late round sleeper to someone who may not be drafted at all. Simply put, Briles can’t afford to have a reputation as a coach who can’t control his players away from the field, not at this point or ever.
His job appears to be safe for now but if another player steps out of line, count on him not being in Waco much longer.
Can’t get enough of Campus Sports? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with the latest news and exclusive giveaways!
*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
