College Station, Texas, October 24, 2025
News Summary
Texas A&M University has been fined $50,000 by the Southeastern Conference after it was confirmed that team coaches directed a player to feign an injury during a game against Arkansas. The incident led to a public reprimand for head coach Mike Elko. This violation of rules, observed during the fourth quarter, raises concerns about game manipulation for an unfair advantage. As one of six undefeated teams, Texas A&M continues to have a strong season despite this setback, holding a 7-0 record and ranking No. 3 nationally.
College Station, Texas – Texas A&M University has been fined $50,000 by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) following a review that confirmed the team directed a player to feign an injury during a recent game against Arkansas. The incident has resulted in a public reprimand for Texas A&M’s head coach, Mike Elko.
The rule violation occurred in the fourth quarter of a tense matchup, where Texas A&M triumphed with a score of 45-42. Specifically, at the 12:55 mark of the final quarter, a play was underway when Arkansas successfully completed a pass, advancing the ball to the Aggies’ 10-yard line. Defensive back Tyreek Chappell collapsed on the field after receiving signals from coaches on the Texas A&M sideline, instructing him to do so.
Review footage confirmed that Chappell had not been contacted during the play, and he was seen returning to the game shortly after the incident. This occurrence was categorized by the SEC as a clear violation of regulations against players pretending to be injured, which are designed to prevent teams from manipulating game timing to gain an unfair advantage.
Texas A&M stands as one of the first teams to face public fines this season amid growing scrutiny over this practice. The SEC has indicated that any future occurrences could lead to a doubled fine of $100,000, in addition to possible suspension for Coach Elko from subsequent games.
Despite this setback, Texas A&M maintains an impressive record as one of six undefeated teams in college football this season, currently holding a 7-0 record and ranking at No. 3 in national standings. The Aggies are slated for a significant matchup against No. 20 LSU on October 25, 2025, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The highly anticipated game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ABC.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Texas A&M to see how they respond to this reprimand and maintain their performance on the field.
FAQ
What was the reason for Texas A&M’s fine?
Texas A&M was fined $50,000 after a review confirmed the team directed a player to feign an injury during a game against Arkansas.
Who received a reprimand for the incident?
Coach Mike Elko received a public reprimand for the incident.
When did the incident occur during the game?
The incident occurred during the fourth quarter of Texas A&M’s 45-42 victory against Arkansas, specifically at the 12:55 mark.
Who was the player involved in the incident?
The player involved was defensive back Tyreek Chappell, who went down on the field after coaches on the A&M sideline signaled for him to do so.
What does the SEC’s determination indicate?
The SEC’s determination marked a violation of rules against players pretending to be injured.
What could happen with future violations?
Future violations could lead to an increased fine of $100,000 and potential game suspension for Coach Elko.
What is Texas A&M’s overall season record?
Texas A&M is currently ranked No. 3 and holds a 7-0 record heading into their next matchup.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fine Amount | $50,000 |
| Coach Reprimand | Mike Elko |
| Game Date | October 25, 2025 |
| Opponent | No. 20 LSU |
| Current Ranking | No. 3 |
| Overall Record | 7-0 |
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Additional Resources
- CBS Sports
- ESPN
- AP News
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M Aggies Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
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