(9/8) O-Line Saga Continues Millington, Keith Leave, Vessels Satute, Clayton Donates and more.

Oklahoma Sooners Football News and Articles

O-Line Saga Continues, Millington and Keith Leave again: Akim Millington's roommate had a message for his friend on Tuesday." Akim just has to see if he really wants to be here or no t," Oklahoma offensive tackle Davin Joseph said. By Wednesday, Millington had decided: Not. Two days after his return to the team, the sophomore offensive lineman quit again. Millington was joined by junior lineman Brandon Keith, who also left the team for the second time in less than a month. Neither player could be reached for comment. Neither will be allowed to return, coach Bob Stoops said. "They've been back and forth," Stoops said. "They're gone. That's it." Millington was slated to start the season opener against TCU at right tackle, but quit during practice Aug. 30. He returned to the team Monday after meeting with coaches, but was relegated to duty with the scout team. Keith, from McAlester by way of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, went AWOL after three preseason practices. He returned a couple weeks later and was expected to redshirt this season. (NewsOK.com)

Vessels Statue to be unveiled: he Oklahoma Centennial Commission and the University of Oklahoma will unveil a heroic-size statue honoring the late Billy Vessels, Oklahoma's first Heisman trophy winner, on Friday, September 9, at 5:45 p.m. on the east side of Memorial Stadium. The public is invited to attend the unveiling. "Billy Vessels was a loyal supporter of OU all of his lifetime," said OU President David Boren. "We are honored to celebrate Sooners, like Billy, who during their time at OU carved a place in the school's proud tradition." Born in Cleveland, Oklahoma, Vessels was the first of several OU Heisman award winners and a significant part of Oklahoma's impressive athletic tradition. While at OU, the Oklahoma native ran 2,085 yards, scored 35 touchdowns and was awarded the1952 Heisman trophy. Thirty years later, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Governor Brad Henry will welcome Vessels' wife, Susie, and their children to OU for the dedication ceremony. Susie Vessels said, "Billy was always proud to have been a Sooner and would have loved seeing his statue at the university he once called home.” The bronze statue of Vessels is the first to be displayed in the newly developed Heisman Park, a joint effort of OU and the Oklahoma Centennial Commission that will later feature statues of other OU Heisman trophy winners. A statue of Steve Owens (1969 Heisman) will be added in 2006, then in 2007, statues of Billy Sims (1978 Heisman) and Jason White (2003 Heisman) will be dedicated. (SoonerSports)

Limited Tickets Available: A limited number of tickets to Saturday's game with Tulsa are available. For information, call the OU ticket office (325-2424). (NewsOK.com)

More PT for younger linemen: (Davin) Joseph said the line can improve on several things, such as being physical, more accountable and executing assignments. To fix the problem, OU head coach Bob Stoops said it is possible some of the younger offensive linemen will get more playing time Saturday against Tulsa. Stoops said freshmen Brandon Braxton, George "Duke" Robinson and Jon Cooper may see more time. However, Cooper was injured Monday. Stoops said he may be out for the week. (OklahomaDaily)

Former Sooner Clayton donates 20K: Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Mark Clayton has donated $20,000 to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort for the purpose of purchasing supplies and other necessities for the victims of the storm. The contribution effort, headed by his mother, JacQuetta Clayton, will be directed to the Centurion Faith Foundation. Centurion Faith Foundation along with Professional Football Players Mothers Association (PFPMA), will team with church members and other friends from the community to purchase and distribute necessities to the victims that have been relocated to the Claytons' hometown of Arlington, Texas. (SoonerSports.com)

Smith's chance to prove his worth: The Oklahoman

Thin at end: Norman Transcript

Millington leaves ... again. Keith takes off too: Norman Transcript

Latimer may see time at defensive end in passing situations: Oklahoma Daily

Health over Heisman: Oklahoma Daily

Sooners' problems start with a stalled line: Dallas Morning News

Sooners offensive linemen Millington, Keith: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Sooner nation shows support for OU: SoonerSports.com