(4/19) Peterson Cleared of Investigation, Stoops Optimistic and more.

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles/Notes

We Will Never Forget Apr. 19, 1995 168 lives

Peterson Cleared of Car Deal: Oklahoma's compliance department investigated the circumstances by which tailback Adrian Peterson bought a car and then returned it several weeks later but determined the arrangement did not violate NCAA regulations. Peterson, the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2004, secured a financing agreement and drove the car for several weeks last winter but then returned it, said Bonita Jackson, Peterson's mother. We were gonna purchase the car, but the payments were gonna be too high, so we took the car back," Jackson said. Oklahoma officials determined that Peterson did not receive an extra benefit that is not available to the general student body of the university. "We have pursued the matter in exhaustive fashion over a five-month period," Oklahoma associate athletic director Keith Gill said in a statement. "Based on the information we have gathered, we do not believe NCAA rules violations have occurred." The dealership, Big Red Sports and Imports, regularly allowed customers who signed contracts to drive the cars for a period of time before financing had been secured, said Brad McRae, the dealership's part-owner at the time of Peterson's agreement. "We didn't do anything wrong," McRae said. "Is it standard operating business practice? Yes, it's standard operating business practice." Oklahoma also investigated the employment of football players by the dealership but found no violations. (AP/CNNSI.com)

Stoops optimistic about defense: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Monday that progress made during spring drills by young defensive backs gives the Sooners a chance to be "really good across the board" on defense this season. Typically reserved in player assessments, Stoops praised the spring strides made by Reggie Smith and Nic Harris, sophomores who project to start at cornerback and safety in September. Each made two interceptions in the Sooners' spring game. "Reggie was just exceptional," Stoops said during a Big 12 coaches' conference call to wrap up spring football drills. "He's got great anticipation. He's a big cover guy with great change of direction and great ball skills." (Star-Telegram)

Big 12 Conference football offseason: Kansan

Switzer talks football at chamber dinner: Columbus Telegram

Lofton Impresses with Spring Opportunity: SoonerSports.com