Fernando Mendoza controversy erupts with Tom Brady – Sports News
Mendoza took some large hits within the CFB National Championship Game (Image: Getty Images)
Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, entered the College Football Playoff National Championship with high expectations of being the No. 1 choose within the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, Indiana’s quarterback confronted a formidable Miami protection, beneath the watchful eye of NFL legend Tom Brady who can have an important half to play in his future.
Brady, whose Las Vegas Raiders have the primary choose within the 2026 draft, was among the many quite a few scouts, NFL executives, and decision-makers current on the Hoosiers-Hurricanes sport on Monday evening. They had been current to see Donald Trump generate an attention-grabbing response from followers, whereas these at home watching onESPN noticed the national anthem ruined by an embarrassing problem.
The FOX Sports lead analyst attended the sport with group proprietor Mark Davis, who confirmed that Brady could be concerned in future group selections.
By halftime, the main target had shifted from Mendoza’s highly effective arm and distinctive playmaking to the quantity of punishment one quarterback might endure during probably the most important sport of his profession.
Mendoza was left bloodied by one large hit (Image: Getty Images)
During an incomplete move within the first quarter, Mendoza stood firm within the pocket solely to be hit arduous by Mohamed Toure, the Hurricanes’ 236-pound linebacker, who rushed off the sting unblocked. The hit got here as defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. closed in from the opposite aspect, leaving the Hoosiers QB trapped with no escape route.
The collision was highlighted by the commentary group and would not be the one harsh hit endured by the long run NFL star, with Brady watching on because the potential future of his franchise took vital punishment.
Shortly after, Mendoza acquired a high, violent hit from defensive back Jakobe Thomas that despatched him spinning by way of the air and left his lip bloodied. Despite viewers contemplating the play a personal foul, officers let the sport proceed.
Controversy erupted over the shortage of flags with Mendoza’s head coach questioning the refs at halftime (Image: Getty Images)
After a second, he acquired up and spat the blood from his mouth whereas Pat McAfee, who was working an alternate broadcast, repeatedly identified the buildup of hits to Mendoza’s back and higher physique.
Despite the onslaught, Mendoza managed to finish 12 of 16 passes for 116 yards within the first half with out shedding possession of the ball. Miami persistently tackled the quarterback for losses and collapsed the pocket, forcing Mendoza to stand firm and take the hits simply to keep Indiana within the sport.
The Hoosiers managed to attain a 34-yard discipline objective late within the first quarter and a short dashing landing within the second, however nothing got here simply.
Brady sat and watched as every hit landed, whereas Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti criticized officers for hits he thought-about to be personal fouls.
“There are three personal fouls on the quarterback not called in one drive. They need to be called because they’re obvious personal fouls,” he stated at halftime.
“I’m all for letting them play, but when you cross the line you got to call it. And they were obvious, black and white calls.”
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