The Texas Department of Public Safety trooper who was seen pushing four football players from the University of South Carolina was “sent home” after the incident, according to a statement from Texas DPS.
During the Saturday, November 15, college football game between Texas A&M and South Carolina at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, a trooper was seen shoving a group of Gamecocks players after a touchdown.
The incident came just before halftime. After South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor scored a touchdown on an 80-yard pass, the junior ran through the end zone into the team tunnel, where three of his teammates met him after he seemed to be limping.
As the group started to make their way back towards the field, the DPS trooper walked in between the players, gave them a shoulder check, then turned around and had some words with the players.
Harbor looked confused, turned around to the trooper and before his teammates guided him back towards the sideline.
After the physical altercation, Texas DPS released a statement via X.
“The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is aware of the incident that occurred today during the Texas A&M football game,” the statement said. “The DPS Trooper involved was sent home from the game. Our Office of Inspector General (OIG) is also aware of the incident and will be further looking into the matter. No additional information will be released at this time.”
After the game, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer was asked about the incident and said he wasn’t aware of what happened.
“Got a ton of respect for the people here in College Station,” he said. “They’re just a first-class operation, everybody. From a game operation standpoint, they really do a great job. They’re first-class people, so [I] appreciate them handling that the right way, sending [the trooper] home.”
College football fans on social media commented on the video of the incident, which made its rounds online, including NBA superstar LeBron James.
“That A&M cop needs to [be] suspended!” James said via X. “That was premeditated and corny AF!!. He went out his way to start some s**t. Do better man.”
“Defund this Texas A&M mall cop,” said former NFL linebacker Will Compton via X.
“This Texas A&M state trooper has officially been relieved of his Saturday duties! Good, get him TF outa here!” said sports commentator Emmanuel Acho via X, along with a video of Acho explaining the situation to his followers.
Harbor’s touchdown extended South Carolina’s lead, which grew to 30-3 at halftime, but Texas A&M, the No. 3 team in the nation, rallied in the second half to take down the Gamecocks, 31-30.
The 27-point comeback is the largest in Texas A&M history as the Aggies move to 10-0 on the season.
“Credit to our guys, credit for how they stuck to it, credit with how they rallied, credit with how they came together,” said Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko after the game. “Thought they did a really, really good job of staying positive and keep fighting until the next play. For them to go out in the second half and do what they did, that’s championship-level football.”
