Update on Status of Arkansas Signee Baye Fall

Is there anything to the rumor that Razorback signee intends to leave to join Auburn Tigers?

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
May 29, 2023 2:40 PM EDT

In this story:

Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sometimes Arkansas fans can be their own worst enemies.

Over the past 24 hours, the Razorback fan base locked onto a rumor that McDonald's All-American turned recent signee Baye Fall is leaving Arkansas to go to Auburn. This appears to be partly because they have seen no social media proclaiming the freshman center's arrival on campus and also because an Auburn fan mentioned how it would be nice to have Fall on the team with some other players on the Tigers' roster.

However, it didn't take much digging to see there's not a lot there at the moment. All of the chatter was coming from fans and only fans. There were no respected journalists or media outlets commenting on the matter. One fan cited a "cryptic tweet" put out by Fall, but a check of his personal Twitter account gave no indication he was anything but a Razorback. Yet, here were Arkansas fans not only losing their minds, but anointing his potential replacements.

The rumor had burned to such a fever pitch that it warranted reaching out to a source associated with the basketball program. The verdict was as expected. If someone knew anything about Fall possibly wavering on his decision to become a Razorback it is being kept quiet because nothing has been heard.

Just to cover bases, a call was made to Fall's representatives who said they asked Fall directly on Sunday and he said his plan is to enroll at Arkansas. That's both ends of the equation, so hopefully it's enough to settle everyone down.

There are certain pockets of fans that will over react to even the perception of negative news, so things that aren't exactly fan-like have been said by members of the Razorback faithful who believe Fall turned a cold shoulder to them. Everyone needs to settle down and watch what they say about Fall before they end up speaking weak rumor into reality.

Every person who has made it into adulthood in the United States has been taught the difference in quality sources of information and those that are untrustworthy in their English classes. If legitimate news outlets that employ professionally trained journalists aren't reporting something, then that's a red flag and immediate sign that there's no need to go out on a limb voicing an opinion for something that might not be true.

At the time of this article, there is no reason to believe Fall will not end up playing for the Razorbacks. There are a ton of possibilities that might cause a player to not arrive on campus from 190 miles away a couple of days before a holiday weekend, so let those cross the mind before jumping to one of the worst possible scenarios. It should also be noted that his arrival at Arkansas doesn't require a public statement. It's not Fall's job to send out an official declaration that he's chosen the top bunk, although it would be fun if he spent 24 hours checking in as safe at various places around campus upon arrival.

lt's possible Fall's status could change at any point in the future because no one can predict the mind of teenage boys. However, he is a member of the Arkansas family and should be treated as such for the foreseeable future. If Razorback fans are that upset at the idea that he might leave, then showing love right now is the best way to make sure that doesn't happen in the end.

There are four and a half months from the opening of the next college basketball season. Until further notice, expect to see Fall in uniform.