“They refused to shake his hand”: Baker Mayfield’s explosive reaction vs. Kansas was next-level | NFL News
Things got uncomfortable even before the college football contest between Oklahoma and Kansas started in November 2017. Kansas players refused to shake hands with Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield during the coin toss. The next events were absolutely crazy. Mayfield’s emotional reaction quickly went viral and became one of the most unforgettable moments of his college football career.
Baker Mayfield vs. Kansas- handshake that never happened
On November 18, 2017, between the University of Oklahoma and the University of Kansas, Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas played a college football game. Though it was a typical Big 12 game, before the match even started things spiraled. Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield approached Kansas linebacker Joe Dineen Jr. and the other team captains at the coin flip to shake hands. It’s a normal gesture before kickoff.But the Kansas players refused. They kept their hands down and looked away. Mayfield was caught off guard. He clapped and walked back to his teammates without saying anything.That moment quickly changed the mood of the game. Both sides played with extra emotion. In the second quarter, Kansas cornerback Hasan Defense hit Mayfield late, well after a play ended. The tension only grew from there.Also Read: Baker Mayfield Says He Hit “Rock Bottom” Before Faith Helped Save His Marriage And Career
Baker Mayfield’s fiery answer on the field
After the snub and the hit, Baker Mayfield let his emotions out. He played with fire. He threw for three touchdowns and helped the Oklahoma Sooners crush Kansas 41–3. His response was loud — not just in plays, but also in actions. During the game, cameras caught Mayfield making rude hand gestures and yelling bad words toward the Kansas sideline.The crowd and fans watching at home couldn’t believe what they saw. The moment spread quickly on social media and news outlets. Mayfield’s name was everywhere.Later, during interviews, Mayfield said he lost control. “I got caught up in a chippy game,” he told reporters. He admitted he should have handled things better.Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley took action. He announced that Mayfield would not start or be captain in the next game against West Virginia. Riley said, “That’s not how we represent this school.”The Big 12 Conference also stepped in. Officials gave a warning to the Kansas players. They said refusing a handshake goes against the league’s values and standards of respect.This game wasn’t just about the score. It showed how fast emotions can rise in sports and how one handshake can start it all.
