April 12, 2025

Texas A&M Faces Backlash Over Disturbing Player Comment

News Summary

Texas A&M’s football program is under scrutiny after junior defensive tackle D.J. Hicks made a controversial comment during a press conference. While advocating for a more aggressive defensive play, his statement about the defensive line’s motto led to immediate backlash and condemnation from head coach Mike Elko. This incident raises further questions about the team’s culture and the history of troubling phrases associated with violence against women within the program. As Texas A&M prepares for the spring game, the team aims to foster a more respectful environment.

Texas A&M in Hot Water After Player’s Disturbing Comment

College Station, Texas – Texas A&M’s football program is once again in the spotlight, but not in the way they’d hoped. Junior defensive tackle D.J. Hicks, a former five-star recruit from Paetow High School in Katy, Texas, recently stirred controversy with a comment made during a press conference that has raised eyebrows across the athletic community.

Hicks, who is gearing up for his third season with the Aggies, expressed a strong desire for his teammates on the defensive line to play with aggression and physicality. While this is typically a standard sentiment in the world of football—where tough play is celebrated—what Hicks went on to say left many stunned. He introduced the defensive line’s motto as “C.B.O.” and, when questioned about its meaning, did not shy away in revealing a shocking interpretation.

Backlash and Immediate Reactions

The repercussions from Hicks’ statement have been swift. Head coach Mike Elko quickly condemned the comment, deeming it “absolutely ridiculous” and emphasizing that such views “shouldn’t be conveyed” in any context, particularly within a team environment. Following this incident, Elko has committed to addressing the issue head-on, indicating that a correction to this inappropriate sentiment is necessary.

This isn’t the first time Texas A&M has had to confront troubling phrases associated with violence against women. The football program has faced scrutiny in the past, including a previous incident involving former player Vernon Jackson. As discussions around toxic masculinity and respect continue to evolve, the Aggies must navigate these waters carefully.

The Road Ahead for the Aggies

D.J. Hicks arrived at Texas A&M with a lot of promise, and despite this recent controversy, he aims to prove himself as a valuable asset to his team. Over his first two seasons, he’s appeared in 24 games, starting in a couple of bowl games, and has practically shown what he’s capable of, recording 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Having played behind a strong defensive line that included talents like Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton, Hicks is now looking forward to stepping into a more prominent leadership role.

The Aggies are facing challenges as they look to fill gaps left by these standout players who have recently declared for the NFL draft. In an effort to bolster their lineup, Texas A&M added four new players from the transfer portal, including Tyler Onyedim from Iowa State and Dayon Hayes from Colorado, to ensure they maintain a competitive edge as they move into the next season.

Spring Practices in Full Swing

As spring practices unfold, the coaching staff, including Elko, remains optimistic about the team’s development while acknowledging there is still much work to do. With six more sessions left before the much-anticipated spring game slated for April 19, the team has an invaluable opportunity to regroup and focus on building a positive team culture.

In light of the recent scandal, it’s more crucial than ever for the Aggies to cultivate a respectful atmosphere. While D.J. Hicks has clearly stated his intent to improve as a player and leader, the question remains: Can the Texas A&M football program turn this moment of controversy into a springboard for real change?

The sports community will be watching closely as the Aggies aim to move forward, not just in practice, but in their efforts to foster an environment where respect and positive values take the quarterback spotlight.

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Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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