Smith to play 15-20 plays on Offense:Athletically, cornerback Reggie Smith shouldn't have a problem playing wide receiver. Coach Bob Stoops said he anticipates 15-20 plays a game for Smith on offense, and Smith said he has a restricted package of just a few plays, so he should be fine mentally. He's in good enough shape, so stamina shouldn't hold him back. Still, there are challenges. "The games are so hectic on the sidelines, can we find him?" Wilson said. "We tried to play Dan Cody some at tight end; Tommie Harris has done it. Can you find him? Sometimes they're over there on the bench and they're talking defensively or they're tired. It'll be interesting to see in the heat of battle how much that really plays out." (Tulsa World)
Peterson a Buzz on Yahoo!: Peterson, according to data compiled by Internet search engine Yahoo, is the second-most searched college football player in the country. No. 1 was Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn. Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn is third and Cal running back Marshawn Lynch is fourth. (Tulsa World)
Updated NEXT Game Preview:Local Links added, Internet-Satellite Radio Information and pre-game information available on NEXT Game page. Cohen, Knall to share punting: SoonerSports.com
Stoops doesn't think losing Bomar will hurt Sooners: Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops knows what might have been. That's why he inserted Rhett Bomar into the lineup early last season. That's why the Sooners boss doesn't think the loss of Bomar at quarterback changes things much for his offense. "Truthfully, I think most people got caught up in what Rhett might have been some day," Stoops said. "The truth is we lost a guy who finished the year with 10 interceptions and 10 touchdowns. It isn't like you lose (former Heisman Trophy winner) Jason White who had maybe 40 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Now that's different." (Birmingham News)
Report: Quinn to Montana: J.D. Quinn, the offensive lineman dismissed from the team prior to preseason camp for violating NCAA extra-benefit rules, has apparently found a new home. Quinn will enroll at Division I-AA Montana, according to an ESPN.com report Tuesday, meaning he can play this season for the Grizzlies if he is reinstated by the NCAA. Quinn lost his eligibility when he and teammate Rhett Bomar were booted for earning money for work they did not do at the Norman car dealership Big Red Sports and Imports. Montana must apply for Quinn's reinstatement, and then wait for the NCAA's ruling. (Tulsa World)
Injured Johnson to attempt to play Sat.: Oklahoma's No. 3 receiver, sophomore Manuel Johnson, has been running on his injured knee and could play in Saturday's season opener against visiting UAB. Sooners offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said at Tuesday's media luncheon that Johnson is hopeful that he'll be able to play, though no determination has been made. If Johnson can't go, head coach Bob Stoops has said either Reggie Smith or Fred Strong will be used as the No. 3 receiver. Stoops said Johnson is the only player whose injury status for Saturday's game is currently in question. (NewsOK.com)
Two punters to play at UAB: Head coach Bob Stoops announced on his weekly radio show Tuesday night that Michael Cohen and Mike Knall could both punt against UAB on Saturday night. His inclination is to use Cohen on distance kicks and Knall in field-position situations. Earlier Tuesday, Stoops said he had been encouraged by both punters' preseason camps. "They both have competed really well and have made each other better," Stoops said. (Tulsa World)
Cooper to start: C Jon Cooper said he no longer feels bothered by the broken ankle injury he suffered against Texas Tech last year. He should start Saturday. (Dallas Morning News)
Bomar considered Illionois State: Before deciding to enroll at Sam Houston State on Monday, former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar visited the Illinois State campus and considered joining the Redbirds. The Sooners' starter at quarterback last season, Bomar was dismissed from the team this summer for receiving "payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked" during employment at a car dealership, according to a statement from the school. "He contacted us. He was looking for a place," ISU coach Denver Johnson said Tuesday. "I had some history there. A good friend of mine is on the staff with his dad. I've known his dad for a long time, but I don't know him well. He's a high school coach in Texas." (PantaGraph) All Day All-Access: SoonerSports.com
Next Game, Oklahoma vs. UAB: University of Oklahoma game preview, including kickoff time, location, ticket, radio, television information; University of Oklahoma football records and more on Oklahoma next game page.
Coach Stoops live at Noon: Head coach Bob Stoops will hold his first weekly press conference of the season on Tuesday at noon. The O-Zone will webcast the event live. Members should log in and click "Live Events" in the main menu. The event link will go active when the feed begins from the stadium. (SoonerSports.com)
Quinn enrolls at Montana? [J.D.] Quinn, an offensive lineman, also has three years of eligibility remaining. He will reportedly enroll at Montana, also a Division I-AA school. (Norman Transcript)
Third Starting LB TBA: OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he's still undecided on his third starter at linebacker. "Still competing," Venables said. "Might be a game-time deal." Seniors Rufus Alexander and Zach Latimer are set, but junior Demarrio Pleasant and sophomore Curtis Lofton are vying for the Sam spot. And Venables suggested that Nic Harris is pushing for time, as the nickel back or at linebacker. (NewsOK.com)
M. Johnson likely out for UAB: OU coach Bob Stoops said the only player who could miss Saturday's game would be sophomore wide receiver Manuel Johnson. Johnson suffered an ankle injury during OU's only open scrimmage Aug. 12. Malcolm Kelly and Juaquin Iglesias are OU's starters, but Johnson could have been used in three-receiver sets. His injury could mean more playing time for sophomore Fred Strong, but Stoops said it could also mean more offense for cornerback Reggie Smith. (Norman Transcript)
Herb's Annual List is Out: ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit released his annual Herbie Awards Monday, and OU was represented. Adrian Peterson was named best running back. Rufus Alexander was named No. 2 outside linebacker, behind Penn State's Paul Posluszny. Larry Birdine was listed among the top seven defensive ends. And Kelly topped the list entitled, "What's My Name: Players who will be household names by October." Notably left out of the 'Herbies' was Stoops, who did not make the cut of five best game-day coaches (Pete Carroll, Mack Brown, Jim Tressel, Charlie Weis and Rich Rodriguez). (Tulsa World)
Former Oklahoma QB Bomar enrolls at Sam Houston State: Former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar has enrolled at Sam Houston State, a school spokesman said Monday. But at this point, it's still unclear if he can practice, much less play, with the Division I-AA Bearkats. "At this point, quite honestly, we don't know what his situation is working out wit the team," Sam Houston State spokesman Paul Ridings said. "But we have begun the reinstatement process with the NCAA." Bomar, a sophomore from Grand Prairie, was kicked off the OU football team in early August for violating NCAA rules. He and teammate J.D. Quinn received money for work they did not perform at a car dealership in Norman, Okla. Under normal transfer rules, a player going from a Division I-A school to a I-AA school can play immediately and not sit out one year. Bomar, however, must have his playing status evaluated by the NCAA student-athlete reinstatement committee. (Dallas Morning News)
Change in jersey numbers: According to the latest Oklahoma football roster, a few more players have switched jersey numbers. Among the changes, sophomore receiver Manuel Johnson switched from No. 6 to 1. But the most notable change is that of freshman running back DeMarco Murray from No. 3 to the now-infamous No. 7, most recently held by dismissed quarterback Rhett Bomar. It's still doubtful Sooner fans will see No. 7 on the field this season. Murray, a true freshman from Las Vegas, has been hampered by a severe turf toe injury and will likely be redshirted. The No. 63 jersey of J.D. Quinn, who was dismissed with Bomar on Aug. 2, has not been issued to a current player. (NewsOK.com)
Clapp to start at fullback: Sooners offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson announced Friday that sophomore Matt Clapp has won the fullback job. Clapp had been in a battle with Dane Zaslaw and transplanted linebacker Ian Pleasant. "In this last week and a half, Matt has been settling in and has by far been our best fullback," Wilson said. "Is he tremendously great? No. But shoot, he's a second-year guy. "And he's 240 and he' playing hard and he's gaining confidence." (NewsOK.com)
Sooners name team captains: The Oklahoma football team selected its captains for the 2006 season. Quarterback Paul Thompson, offensive tackle Chris Messner, linebacker Rufus Alexander and defensive end C.J. Ah You were recognized by head coach Bob Stoops at the Big Red Rally at Owen Field Thursday evening. All four players are seniors. Thompson, Alexander and Ah You spoke briefly to the crowd. Messner left the event earlier to attend an evening class. (SoonerSports.com)
Special teams brief: Walk-on Derek Shaw appears to have won the deep snapper job, succeeding four-year mainstay Jacob Rice. Transfers Mike Knall and Michael Cohen are still battling for the punter's job, and Bob Stoops said that contest likely will go into next week. Both have been "pretty solid," Stoops said. Coaches prefer that place-kicker Garrett Hartley not punt. He is resting this week because of a sore leg. (Star-Telegram)
Heisman Winner Steve Owens statue to be unveiled Sept. 2: The Oklahoma Centennial Commission and the University of Oklahoma will unveil a heroic-size statue honoring the OU Heisman trophy winner, Steve Owens, on the east side of Memorial Stadium. The ceremony will take place Saturday, Sept. 2, at 3:30 p.m., two and a half hours before OU's first home game against the UAB. The statue of Owens, the 1969 Heisman winner, was designed by the late Oklahoma sculptor Nick Calcagno and is the second of four currently planned for the park. A larger-than-life statue of Billy Vessels (Heisman 1952) was unveiled in September 2005. Statues of the university's other Heisman winners, Billy Sims (1978 Heisman) and Jason White (2003 Heisman), will be dedicated in 2007. This is a project of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission in cooperation with the University of Oklahoma. Dignataries expected to attend include David L., Boren, OU President, Lee Allan Smith, Chairman of Centennial Projects and Events, Blake Wade, Executive Director, Oklahoma Centennial Commission, Joe Castiglione, OU Athletic Director, Barry Switzer, former OU head coach, Mike Harper, former OU player, Billy Sims, OU Heisman Trophy Winner and Jason White, OU Heisman Trophy Winner. (SoonerSports.com)
Freshmen playing time in '06:Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops identified four true freshmen he expects to play this season and three others who fall into the "possibly" category. After Wednesday's practice, Stoops said tight end Jermaine Gresham will "for sure" be on the field, along with receivers Adron Tennell and Brandon Caleb, and offensive lineman Chase Beeler. Offensive lineman Trent Williams could possibly be a contributor this season, along with running back Mossis Madu and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. The depth ahead of him at his position could be what leads to McCoy being redshirted. (NewsOK.com)
Cooper back to practice: Sophomore center Jon Cooper returned to practice this week after missing several sessions with a bruised knee. Stoops said Cooper "looked good the last couple of days" and said Jenks freshman Chase Beeler "is doing a good job getting better, and (starting left tackle) Chris Messner's done a good job in there as well." (Tulsa World)
Brad McRae "knowlingly" mislead Oklahoma and Stoops: In the report, OU alleges McRae, Big Red's former general manager, "knowingly" aided Bomar and Quinn in NCAA rules violations. McRae declined comment on Wednesday. According to the interview transcript, Stoops said he knew McRae as "a local businessman," but said he did not have a "personal relationship." Speaking of his call to McRae, Stoops said: "I had specifically asked to make sure that they're working the hours they're supposed to work, that they're getting paid as they should, that they're treating them like you would your other employees." OU director of football operations Merv Johnson and defensive coordinator Brent Venables were also interviewed by compliance officials Aug. 3. Along with Stoops, they denied any knowledge of rules violations at the dealership. "None of our coaches would tolerate that," Venables said. (NewsOK.com)
Texas State turns away Quinn and Bomar: Banished Oklahoma football players Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn approached Texas State about possibly transferring to the Division I-AA school but were turned down, Bobcats coach David Bailiff said Wednesday. Bailiff said he spoke by phone with both players after they were dismissed from the Sooners football team in early August. The players accepted money from a Norman car dealership for work they did not perform, a violation of NCAA rules. (Austin American-Statesman)
Linebacker Lofton could be in rotation: Lofton played so well in practices at two linebacker spots -- Sam and Mike -- that he may be forcing his way onto the field. OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he's even considering a rotation that involves Pleasant, Lofton and Mike linebacker Zach Latimer. "Curtis is really, really good at Mike or Sam," Venables said. "He's been every bit as good as Demarrio or Zach. It's my responsibility over the next week is to find out who's my best three linebackers." (NewsOK.com)
Big Red Rally at Stadium today: The Big Red Rally, the annual kickoff event for University of Oklahoma students, is set for Thursday, Aug. 24. Fans will be allowed to enter Gate 1 of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at 5 p.m. for the event. Seating is available in the west side stands only. The OU football team will hold a brief scrimmage on Owen Field prior to the event which starts at 6:15 p.m. Festivities include a sneak preview of the 2006 team intro video for the UAB game on the stadium video board, performances by the Pride of Oklahoma and Sooner spirit squads plus remarks from OU head coach Bob Stoops and team captains. Video cameras will not be permitted inside the stadium, however, point and click cameras are acceptable. At 7:15 p.m., the Little Red Rally, an event aimed at children, begins on the Brooks Mall north of the stadium. (SoonerSports.com)
University of Oklahoma investigation report available: Under the Freedom of Information Act, the University of Oklahoma has released a 28 page summary, regarding the employment of R. Bomar and J.D. Quinn at Big Red Sports and Imports. Report available at KFOR.com
Former ASU QB Keller enrolls at Neb.: Former Arizona State quarterback Sam Keller has enrolled at the University of Nebraska, a spokeswoman in the registrar and records office at the school told ESPN's Joe Schad on Wednesday morning. Keller is expected to redshirt at Nebraska this season and be eligible to play his final season next year, likely succeeding Zac Taylor as starting quarterback. Keller, who was named the Sun Devils' starting quarterback on Friday only to lose the job to sophomore Rudy Carpenter two days later, had also considered transferring to Louisville or UTEP, not Colorado or Oklahoma, as reported elsewhere, a source told Schad. (ESPN.com)
528 pages in Oklahoma Investigation: The allegations dropped into University of Oklahoma President David Boren's electronic inbox at 8:13 p.m. last March 3. With a heading of "NCAA Violation at OU," the e-mail said three OU football players "were paid by Big Red Sports and Imports for their services, however they did not have to do a minutes (sic) work... All of this was done as a favor to the OU football team." The message, which helped prompt an internal investigation that eventually led to the dismissals of quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn earlier this month, was obtained Tuesday by The Oklahoman after an open-records request. Included in 528 pages of documents were OU's preliminary report to the NCAA, dated Monday, and interviews conducted by OU's compliance department with football coach Bob Stoops, defensive coordinator Brent Venables and director of football operations Merv Johnson, plus three football players. (More at NewsOK.com)
Keller's father talks with Coach Stoops: Reports have Arizona State quarterback Sam Keller transferring to Nebraska. Not so fast, the player's father said Tuesday, even as the Lincoln Journal Star was set to report today that signs point to Keller joining the Cornhuskers as early as today. Mike Keller, Sam's dad, said Tuesday night not to dismiss a move by his son to Oklahoma, or a number of schools. "I had a phone conversation with Bob Stoops (Tuesday)," Mike Keller said. "And there are some other schools we're talking to. It's been a very hectic couple of days." (NewsOK.com)
Peterson and Alexander on Walter Camp Watchlist: The Walter Camp Football Foundation has announced the names of 35 "players to watch" for its prestigious Player of the Year award, the nation's fourth-oldest individual college football accolade. The watch list will be narrowed to ten semi-finalists in early November. The 2006 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient, which is voted on by the 119 Division I-A head coaches and sports information directors, will be announced on the ESPN/Home Depot College Football Awards Show in December. The winner will then receive his trophy at the Foundation's annual national awards banquet on January 13, 2007 at the Yale University Commons in New Haven. Last year's recipient was USC running back Reggie Bush. Walter Camp, "The Father of American football," first selected an All-America team in 1889. Oklahoma's Senior linebacker, Rufus Alexander, and Junior runningback, Adrian Peterson. (Walter Camp Foundation)
Wilson confindent in OL: OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson is beginning to feel more secure about his offensive line. At least the starters on the offensive line. "I think the first five is pretty good," Wilson said. "There's a drop to the second group, because we've got freshmen. But the first five is pretty solid." (NewsOK.com)
University of Oklahoma reports NCAA recruiting violations: Oklahoma has self-reported three secondary violations of NCAA bylaws by its football team, including one in which graduate assistants improperly provided transportation to a prospect during his official visit. The university reported to the NCAA that one graduate assistant provided the recruit with transportation to the university and another returned the recruit home. Because the recruit lived more than 30 miles from Oklahoma's Norman campus, the transportation was a violation of NCAA rules, Oklahoma said. In a letter to the NCAA, Oklahoma compliance officials said the violation was inadvertant and occurred because "the prospect suddenly needed a ride to his official visit." (AP/ESPN.com)
No Other Players Found in Investigation: Oklahoma has banned its athletes from working at a car dealership where two football players -- including the team's starting quarterback -- broke NCAA rules by accepting payment for more work than they actually performed. The university, in a report to the NCAA released Tuesday following an open records request by The Associated Press, said it banned athletes from working at Big Red Sports and Imports after Oklahoma's compliance staff received "poor and inappropriate treatment" from the dealership's prior management. In the report, the university said it compared athletes' time cards with class schedules, summer workouts, practice schedules and other time commitments and found no evidence that other athletes were "paid for working during practice or class times." The university report states that Big Red did not maintain consistent, up-to-date records on vehicles, financing and sales and that "the employment records maintained and provided by Big Red for temporary summer employment were also at times incomplete or in conflict with other records they maintained on the same employee." However, the dealership is now under new management and the current owners cooperated with the university's investigation, according to the report. In an interview with Oklahoma investigators, Stoops said he called Big Red manager Brad McRae in either 2004 or 2005 to make sure his players were there and "doing the right things, make sure they're working hard, um, and to make sure things were done right." (In part and more at AP/CNNSI.com)
Middle Tennessee 6:00 kickoff, tickets available: Oklahoma's Sept. 23 game against Middle Tennessee has been set for a 6 p.m., kickoff. The game will be televised on a pay-per-view basis, although details for that telecast are not yet finalized. More information will be released at a later date. Due to returns by the opponent, tickets remain for the match-up between the Sooners and Blue Raiders. Those seats sell for $57 each. They are available online at SoonerSports.com, over the phone at 1-800-456-GoOU or in person at the ticket office located in the Asp Avenue Parking Facility. (SoonerSports PR)
UAB tickets available: AB earlier this week returned another 200 tickets that are now available through purchase from the University of Oklahoma Athletics Ticket Office. The Sooners host the Blazers in the season opener for both squads on Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. Tickets for the UAB game are $57 each and may be purchased online at SoonerSports.com, over the phone at 1-800-456-GoOU or in person at the office located in the Asp Avenue Parking Facility, just east of Gaylord Family --Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. (SoonerSports PR)
Keller to transfer to Neb, Not Oklahoma:ESPN.com is reporting, Former Arizona State Quarterback Sam Keller, is expected to transfer to the University of Nebraska. ESPN also reporting, Oklahoma was not in the running. "Arizona State quarterback Sam Keller is expected to enroll at Nebraska, a source close to Keller told ESPN.com's Joe Schad on Tuesday. An official announcement is expected Thursday. Keller, who was named the Sun Devils' starting quarterback on Friday only to lose the job to sophomore Rudy Carpenter two days later, had also considered transferring to Louisville or UTEP, not Colorado or Oklahoma, as reported elsewhere, the source said. Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com reported earlier that Keller was told Monday by ASU coach Dirk Koetter that he would be released from his scholarship." (ESPN.com)
AZ. State QB looking at Sooners? Arizona State quarterback Sam Keller may be looking for a new school and OU may be a possible destination. Keller was named ASU's starter Friday, only to have the job handed to sophomore Rudy Carpenter two days later by coach Dirk Koetter in a bizarre twist. Now Keller is considering his options. And his father, Mike Keller, said late Monday night that the Sooners are an intriguing possibility. "The Sooners and the University of Oklahoma were a team I originally thought of," Mike Keller said. "I would be flattered if the Sooners were interested." (NewsOK.com)
Apparentely there is footage from the scrimmage second, available on YouTube check it out. Doesn't show much, but is a glimpse.
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes University of Oklahoma honors Prentice Gautt: In the fall of 1956, the University of Oklahoma issued jersey No. 38 to a young man from Oklahoma City who shattered stereotypes and set sail on an athletics career marked by achievement, decency and service to thousands of student-athletes. The player who wore that jersey was Prentice Gautt, the first black football player at OU. To honor the 50th anniversary of that achievement, jersey No. 38 will not be issued for the 2006 season at Oklahoma. Instead, the Sooner players will wear a No. 38 sticker on the back of their helmets to commemorate one of the university's most popular alumni. Gautt passed away in March of 2005. (More at SoonerSports.com)
Final Oklahoma Scrimmage Complete: OU concluded its preseason practices with a two-hour session in full pads at Owen Field on Saturday. Classes begin Monday on the Norman campus. The team reverts to its normal schedule next week with a return to the Bud Wilkinson practice fields south of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. A very limited supply of tickets returned by the opponent are available for the game. Sooner fans are encouraged to order online (SoonerSports.com) or call the OU Athletics Ticket Office toll-free at (800) 456-GoOU. (SoonerSports.com) Bomar at Sam Houston Practice:Former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar has yet to make a decision on where he is going to transfer, but he was back in Huntsville this week and dropped in on the Bearkats. Bomar was at Bowers Stadium on Tuesday morning to watch the Sam Houston State football team in action. The Bearkat coaching staff still can't talk much about Bomar, who has been busy looking for a new school for more than a week. "There isn’t much more we can say about the situation," SHSU head coach Todd Whitten said. "There is a lot to consider, and we just have to wait for a decision." (The Huntsville Item)
Oklahoma ranked #10 in first AP poll: Oklahoma begins the 2006 season ranked No. 10 in the Associated Press poll released on Friday. The Sooners received 960 votes. Ohio State is No. 1 with Notre Dame, Texas, Auburn and West Virginia in the top five. USC, Florida, LSU, California and OU rounded out the top 10. OU was one of four Big 12 Conference teams in the top 25. Nebraska checked in at No. 20 with Texas Tech at No. 25. Texas A&M received votes. (SoonerSports.com)
Cotton Bowl gets HD upgrade: The State Fair of Texas has chosen Daktronics Inc. of Brookings, S.D., to design and build a true high definition (HD) light emitting diode (LED) video display for the Cotton Bowl, home of the annual AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, the Red River Rivalry featuring national champion University of Texas and perennial powerhouse Oklahoma, and other football and entertainment events. The Sportsound(R) division of Daktronics will provide a new integrated sound system as part of the multi-million dollar contract. The scoreboard and sound system upgrades are part of a $50 million renovation project which includes increasing the seating capacity from 76,100 to 92,100, and numerous fan amenity improvements. "We are very pleased to announce this significant upgrade to the Cotton Bowl," said Errol McKoy, President of the State Fair of Texas, home of the Cotton Bowl. "More fans at home are watching their favorite sports events on high definition television. Now the Cotton Bowl is one of only a small number of venues in the world at which fans will be able watch live action and highlights in true high definition on state-of-the-art Daktronics technology. We are committed to making the Cotton Bowl one of the very best college football stadiums. This upgrade is a significant part of our plan, and represents the high quality approach we will be taking as we move forward, project by project." The new Cotton Bowl main scoreboard will replace a Daktronics scoreboard that was installed in 1975. This project will be the third in which Daktronics will provide its ProStar(R) LED VideoPlus high definition technology. Dolphin Stadium in Miami boasts two of the world's largest high definition LED displays. The University of Texas will unveil its new high definition ProStar(R) display this fall at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Daktronics (www.daktronics.com) Smith's a triple threat: Norman Transcript
Sooners #24 in SportingNews Top 25: The Oklahoma Sooners started the summer as the nation's ninth-best team, former players dismissal has dropped the Sooners fifthteen spots in the revised SportingNews Top 25. Notre Dame remains atop the poll, followed by Ohio State.
Reggie Smith to play some at WR: A safety turned cornerback, [Reggie] Smith already had worked his way into something of an offensive role as a punt and kick returner. This week, he added receiver to his list of positions. The move harkens back to the 2001 season, the last time a Sooner defender played on offense. Andre Woolfolk was a cornerback on defense and a receiver on offense, just like Smith. While playing both ways in 2000 and 2001 Woolfolk caught 56 passes for 836 yards and six touchdowns. Smith played multiple positions in high school and was used as a receiver in both his junior and senior seasons at Edmond (Okla.) Santa Fe. The OU sophomore, who started 10 games last season at strong safety, thought the opportunity to play receiver at OU might someday present itself, but not this early. "I didn't think it would happen this year," he said. "(The coaches and I) had always joked about it and I always asked about it, then Coach (Kevin) Sumlin came down and asked me if I wanted to try it. He told me it was 'an audition.'" Smith joined Sumlin at the grease board to learn a handful of plays. He's getting six to 10 reps per day in practice. (in part from SoonerSports.com)
Sooners to rotate DE: Stoops said OU plans to rotate all five defensive ends and that junior linebacker Demarrio Pleasant, stepping in for Clint Ingram on the strong side, continues to look good, as does sophomore backup Curtis Lofton. (Star-Telegram)
Sooners second scrimmage complete, Stoops "We're making progress": Oklahoma completed its second scrimmage of the 2006 preseason drills Wednesday night at the rugby fields near the Lloyd Noble Center. Unlike the first scrimmage last Saturday, this one was closed. The Sooners went through a normal practice and then spent the last 45 minutes of the workout in a scrimmage format. Statistics were not kept, but OU head coach Bob Stoops said his team performed well. "We've still got a lot of polishing to do, but we're making progress," he said. (SoonerSports.com) Cooper sits out with minor injury: OU was without center Jon Cooper on Wednesday, but Stoops characterized Cooper's injury as, "nothing serious." Chase Beeler and Chris Messner worked at center in Cooper's absence. (SoonerSports.com)
Stephen F. Austin University receives permission to talk to Bomar and Quinn: Former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive guard J.D. Quinn have made SFA part of their tour in an effort to find a place to play football, after both were dismissed from the OU program for violating NCAA rules last week. SFA head football coach Robert McFarland confirmed Tuesday that, after he received permission from OU to contact both players, the players visited SFA. McFarland said it is his understanding that the players have received six offers from Division I-AA schools and three others from Division I programs. He said SFA has not offered either player anything. (Daily Sentinel) OU Notebook: The Oklahoman
Final scrimmage closed to the public: The University of Oklahoma announced Tuesday that Saturday's preseason football scrimmage will be closed to the public and to the media. OU coach Bob Stoops announced last week that all future practices would be closed, but left open last Saturday's scrimmage at Memorial Stadium. (Tulsa World)
Coach Capel looking at possible Football players for basketball roster? Once Jeff Capel gets settled in as Oklahoma's basketball coach and has time to build a squad of his players, he most likely won't think too much about borrowing athletes from the football team. But, for now, the idea has merit. "It's something that if guys are good and they want to try it, they're more than welcome," Capel said recently while discussing the topic. "Obviously, we have some incredible athletes already on our football team, but I've also heard that some incoming freshmen are pretty big-time basketball players, too. If they want to look into that and pursue it, then we're more than happy to have them as long as Coach (Bob) Stoops is OK with it." Stoops has said before that he's not opposed to his players trying another sport so long as it's a legitimate pursuit and not merely dream-chasing. But hoops and football aren't a good mix on the calendar. "If it does happen, it likely wouldn't be until sometime in January (when a football player could join the basketball team), and that would mean that our football team has done something pretty special," Capel said. (In part from NewsOK.com)
Sooners see limited action: The Sooners were somewhat limited in what they could do offensively. Adrian Peterson only had one carry for 1 yard and wore a blue "no contact" jersey. Also, sophomore wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, who was OU's leading receiver last season, missed the scrimmage to be best man at his brother's wedding. And sophomore wideout Manuel Johnson sprained an ankle in the first series and didn't return to the field. Stoops said the injury wasn't serious. But having those three out made a difference. (Norman Transcript)
Change in formation? Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson hinted at going away from the I-formation if inexperienced players Matt Clapp and Dane Zaslaw cannot perform. (Dallas Morning News)
Players sitting out of scrimmage: There didn't appear to be any significant injuries during the scrimmage. Those who sat out -- Johnson, Murray, Barresi, linebacker Ryan Reynolds (knee), offensive lineman Brian Simmons (knee), defensive back Brett Bowers (ankle) and tight end Aaron Cummings (leg) -- did so because of injuries already sustained. (Tulsa World)
Stoops likes first scrimmage:"I was very pleased," Stoops said. "There was a lot of clean play. Paul (Thompson) managed the huddle well and had good snap control all day. He still has some brushing up to do, but he really got in a rhythm as we went along. Thompson hit on 15-of-26 passes for 133 yards with two touchdowns, both in red-zone work, and one interception. The senior completed 11 of his last 13 attempts. (Full scrimmage notes, and stats at SoonerSports.com)
OU's First scrimmage open to public today: Oklahoma's football team will hold its first scrimmage of the 2006 preseason this Saturday at 6 p.m., in Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The practice is open to the public and there is no admission charge. Patrons should enter through Gates 1 or 12. Concessions stands and restrooms will be open in the facility. The OU Athletics Ticket Office, located off Asp Avenue on the west side of the stadium will be open from 4:30-7 p.m., selling single game tickets for all OU home games except the Texas Tech contest. The exhibit area of the Switzer Center will be open from 3-6 p.m. (SoonerSports Release)
No Revote on Sooner's #5 ranking: The coaches' preseason poll ranked Oklahoma No. 5, with 13 first-place votes. The poll was released two days after the Sooners dismissed starting quarterback Rhett Bomar. The American Football Coaches Association, which administers the poll, reported there was no consideration to have the coaches vote again and no coach submitted a new ballot. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
What to look for in tonight's scrimmage: Stoops approaches tonight's scrimmage with a familiar checklist: "Good, clean play. Being physical. Guys knowing what they're doing. Avoiding mistakes. And playing smart." Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson has his own set of priorities: "If we make some mistakes or we bust some blocks, fine and dandy. We don't want any (bad) snaps. We don't want any fumbles. We don't want to question our effort at the line of scrimmage. "We can't win if we don't play hard. We want to come out of the first week making sure we understand how to play hard." (Tulsa World)
More on Hardison dismissal: Walk-on Jermaine Hardison, a 6-3, 209-pound wide receiver from Midwest City has been dismissed from the squad for violating team rules. Hardison, a junior, was removed after a recent trip to a casino just south of Norman. The team has a mandate of no gambling and no visiting casinos. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma's former back to be inducted into College Football HOF: ESPN's Rece Davis is scheduled to host the National Football Foundation's (NFF) College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Dinner & Show on Saturday, August 12, beginning at 6:00 p.m. (EDT). As they inshrine, Joe Washington (Oklahoma), Jerry Rice (Miss. Valley St.), Mark May (Pittsburgh), John Huarte (Notre Dame), and Cornelius Bennett (Alabama), among others. University of Oklahoma's Running Back 1972-1975, Joe Washington. "Like smoke through a keyhole" is how legendary Oklahoma running back Joe Washington described his running style during the days he ruled the BIG-8 Conference. Upon the completion of his remarkable Sooner career, Washington stood atop the school's all-time career rushing list with over 4,000 yards. For two extraordinary seasons, Washington dominated the national scene. In 1974, he earned unanimous First Team All-America status as a running back, was named National Player of the Year and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. In 1975, Washington was named First Team All-America as a kick returner and placed fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Both seasons, Washington's offensive brilliance led to Sooner national championships. A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, Washington's teams lost only twice in 46 career games. Selected in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, Washington played 10 seasons in the NFL and was named MVP of the Redskins in 1981. He is currently the owner of a marketing and advertising company and lives in Lutherville, Maryland. On his reaction to learning the news of his induction... "I just was really shocked. I had a good friend, Clendon Thomas, who I thought should get in, and the fact that I'm before him, it's just disbelief." On his place in college football history... "Just to be inducted with these guys with all the greats, it says it all. It's such an honor, I think it just speaks for itself." (College Football Hall of Fame)
Hardison dismissed from team: Walk-on Jermaine Hardison has been dismissed from Oklahoma's football team after violating team rules, spokesman Kenny Mossman said Thursday night. Mossman said Hardison, a 6-foot-3 junior from Midwest City High School, was not on scholarship. Mossman didn't elaborate on which rules were violated. Hardison had never played in a game at Oklahoma. He was listed as a wide receiver on the Sooners' roster. (AP/SportingNews) According to broadcast reports, Hardison was dismissed for going to a local tribal casino. Which would be a violation of team rules, Oklahoma would not comfirm that report.
Still waiting for arrival:Chris Patterson still hasn't found his way to OU and may never. Daniel Tabon may yet. Patterson signed with the Sooners as one of the nation's top-ranked linebackers in 2004, but spent the '05 season at NEO trying to get eligible. He's still trying, moving to Joliet Junior College in Illinois this semester. Tabon, a freshman linebacker out of Altus, hasn't reported and isn't listed on OU's latest roster, but is still trying to become eligible. (NewsOK.com)
Single game tickets available: Single game tickets for all six University of Oklahoma home football game remain on sale through the OU Athletic Ticket Office. All six of the opponents returned more than 1,000 tickets. Some of those have been purchased but others remain available. Season tickets for OU home games are sold out. The single game tickets range in price from $57 for the UAB and Middle Tennessee games to $67 for the other four home contests. Tickets can be purchased online at SoonerSports.com, over the phone at 1-800-456-GoOU or in person at the Athletics Ticket Office located on Asp Avenue in Norman. (SoonerSports Release)
Also, try our new tools available at the bottom left of every post, share and bookmark each post with friends, or just bookmark for later reference with Del.icio.us, and Digg This!
Bomar talks with The New York Times: In his first interview since being thrown off the Oklahoma football team last week, quarterback Rhett Bomar apologized for taking money for a no-show job at a local car dealership. Bomar said that reports of how much money he took were greatly exaggerated in news media reports and he insisted that Oklahoma's program was "a clean program." He said that he would decide on his plans in the next two weeks. "I'm not a bad kid," Bomar said by telephone late last night. "I made a mistake and I'm disappointed that it happened that way, because I enjoyed my time at O.U. and I wanted to continue my career there. I made a mistake and I have live with it, but I own up to it." Bomar insisted that news media reports had exaggerated the amount of money he took. "It's not as bad as they're making it sound," Bomar said. "The money figure is not $18,000 or $15,000. That's not even close. I really don't know where that came from, but I'm not going to go into the exact money figures, but it's nowhere near that." When asked if it was closer to $2,500, Bomar said it was "something like that." (In part from The New York Times)
NCAA to investigate Oklahoma: The loss of Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar will sting the Sooners in two areas: as part of a potential NCAA investigation and, of course, on the field. Although the school says it didn't know the specifics of Bomar and guard J.D. Quinn's jobs with a Norman, Okla., car dealership, an NCAA source says that won't stop the sport's governing body from investigating. (Post Gazzette)
Bomar, Quinn looking at Sam Houston State: There was big news swirling around the Sam Houston State athletic department Wednesday afternoon about the possibility of the Bearkats landing two Division I football transfers. SHSU athletic director Bobby Williams confirmed that former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn both have expressed interest in transferring to play for the Bearkats. "We are one of the schools they are considering transferring to," Williams said in a phone interview Wednesday afternoon. "We can't say much more than that at this point. We have to make sure that we go through the correct process the same way we have with other transfers in the past." (Huntsville Item)
Or is it Houston? Former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar, who was kicked off the team last week after it was revealed he violated NCAA rules, visited the University of Houston campus Tuesday, keeping open the chance he might transfer to the school next semester. Bomar toured the facilities and met with UH head coach Art Briles. Should Bomar, a redshirt sophomore, commit to a Division I-A school, it is believed Houston would be a strong possibility. Bomar is also considering Division I-AA school Sam Houston State. If Bomar transfers to a Division I-A school, he must sit out a minimum of one season because of NCAA transfer rules. That does not include the possible suspension he faces from the NCAA. (Houston Chronicle)
So if Jarrett of USC is reinstated why not Bomar? AP/ESPN.com reports "The NCAA reinstated Dwayne Jarrett's eligibility on Wednesday, so the USC All-American wide receiver will not miss any games for the Trojans. Jarrett, a junior, was declared ineligible earlier this summer because he did not pay full rent on an off-campus apartment he had shared with teammate Matt Leinart. Leinart's father paid the balance of the rent. The NCAA ruled that Jarrett must pay $5,352 to a charity of his choice for extra benefits that included discounted rent on the apartment. "Mr. Jarrett made a mistake, and we believe that had he known he was required to pay his full share of the rent for the apartment, he would not have chosen to live there," Jennifer Strawley, NCAA director of membership services and student-athlete reinstatement, said in a statement. Jarrett lived with Leinart for 13 months in an apartment that cost $3,866 a month. Jarrett paid $650 a month toward the rent and did not pay any utilities. The NCAA is requiring him to give to charity the full value of his $960 monthly housing stipend, minus what he already paid in rent, plus half the cost of utilities for the time he lived in the apartment. His total benefit while he lived in the apartment was calculated to be $18,001." Is my math wrong, but with the 18K figure reported by ESPN.com being exaggerated on Bomar, and more near $2,500 being reported by the NYT's. Who's violations were more severe? Bomar, or Jarrett? Sure, cheating the system is still cheating (no shades of gray), but nonetheless what's one to think? OU notebook: The Oklahoman
Jerry comments on son Rhett Bomar: Rhett Bomar's father said the former Oklahoma quarterback made a mistake and needs to be punished for breaking major NCAA rules. But Jerry Bomar said Rhett deserves a second chance and that the sophomore will pay restitution whether the NCAA requires it or not. "All we want to do is start over fresh from here," Jerry Bomar told The Morning News. "He didn't murder anybody, commit a crime or anything like that. But he made a mistake. He didn't want to hurt Oklahoma. Oklahoma is a great school, it's got great coaches. But he made a mistake, and he's got to be punished. "But this is America, and I think he deserves a second chance." Jerry Bomar has not spoken publicly since his son and teammate J.D. Quinn were dismissed from the team last week. Jerry Bomar would not say what schools he and Rhett are looking at. North Texas and Texas A&M-Commerce have expressed interest. Houston is also reportedly interested. (Dallas Morning News)
Bomar talks with UNT: Jerry Bomar has spoken with North Texas assistant head coach Kenny Evans about the future of Bomar's son Rhett and the possibility of him playing for the Mean Green, Evans said Tuesday. Evans spoke with Jerry Bomar shortly after his son and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn were dismissed from Oklahoma after a university investigation revealed the players were paid by Big Red Sports/Imports, a local car dealership, for work they did not perform last summer and fall. Evans advised the Bomars on the steps Rhett, who was the Sooners' starting quarterback, should take while trying to resume his college football career. Evans and UNT head coach Darrell Dickey both said they would be willing to consider Bomar continuing his career at UNT. Jerry Bomar did not return a message seeking comment. Bomar has yet to be released by Oklahoma, which could choose not to release him to a school on its upcoming schedule. UNT is scheduled to open the 2007 season at Oklahoma. (Dallas Morning News)
Barresi out with illness: Offensive lineman Ben Barresi missed Tuesday morning's practice with an undisclosed illness. Stoops wasn't sure when the redshirt freshman would be able to practice again. "He's still working through that illness," he said. (Norman Transcript)
Sooners sixth practice complete, Scrimmage open to public: Head coach Bob Stoops said he liked his team's mental approach to the practice. "I liked our toughness today," he said. "A lot of this game is mental and I think they're figuring that out. It's an important aspect of the game. I thought we showed very good toughness today and that's something we want to see in this team all the way through camp and beyond." Stoops also said that the first scrimmage of the preseason will be open to the public. That scrimmage takes place Saturday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. (SoonerSports.com)
Hornfrogs not interested in Bomar, Quinn: TCU football coach Gary Patterson said late Monday that his staff has stopped recruiting Rhett Bomar, the former Oklahoma quarterback who was booted off the Sooners team Wednesday for violating NCAA rules. Patterson said lineman J.D. Quinn, Bomar's roommate who was also involved in a scheme that netted the players money for work they didn't do, also will not be pursued. "I got home, wrote down the pluses and minuses, and I just can't do it," Patterson said. "I feel for the families and want to help them with their options. But TCU isn't an option at this time." Patterson didn't address whether he would pursue the duo if they landed at a junior college or in a lower NCAA division for this season and were eligible for Division I-A play in 2007. (Star-Telegram)
Photoshopped Bomar Images: Looks like fans are having fun with the Rhett Bomar story, with photoshopped images of Bomar and money, appearing on Yahoo's! Flickr here's one.. Bomar Bling Bling.. King of Cars
Sooners fall 10 spots in CBS Sportsline poll:SportLine.com's Dennis Dodd ranks the Nation's top 25 teams, after a summer for the teams to settle.. The Oklahoma Sooners fell ten spots, after an unsettled early August to15th in the late preseason poll.
Another job title for Wilson: Chris Wilson, OU's defensive ends coach the past two years, has added special teams coordinator to his job title. That's a position that has been passed around among OU's staff since Jonathan Hayes left the Sooners to coach tight ends with the Cincinnati Bengals three years ago. Wilson's task will be to re-ignite OU's special teams. The Sooners ranked 11th in the Big 12 Conference in both kickoff and punt returns last year, when they didn't return a kick for a touchdown for the first time under coach Bob Stoops. (Tulsa World)
Stoops pleased with practice #4: With four practices in the books, head coach Bob Stoops was satisfied with the team's effort on Sunday. "Today was good, the guys were running around, working hard and had a lot of energy," said Stoops following the two-hour and 30 minute practice. "I was very pleased." (SoonerSports.com)
Final open practice in the books: Sunday marked the final time fans or media could attend preseason practice. "There's too much information out there," Stoops said. "Who knows who's watching your practices, or who's videoing them? It's amazing." Asked if he's ever caught a spy in the act, Stoops said: "Oh, sort of. I'm not going into that." (Tulsa World)
All practices to be closed after today: OU coach Bob Stoops said that beginning Monday, all preseason practices will be closed to the public and the media. He also restricted post-practice media interviews to Tuesday and Thursday only. He said scrimmages may still be open to the public. Sunday's practice -- the last open practice of the year -- starts at 5 p.m. and is expected to run 2 1/2 hours. Saturday's practice was the third of the preseason and the first in shoulder pads. Monday's drills will be the first in full pads, and Tuesday marks the first two-a-day session. (Tulsa World)
Former Oklahoma Captain Moore dies: Harry Moore, co-captain of Oklahoma's first national championship football team in 1950 and an all-Big Seven center for the Sooners, died Thursday in Oklahoma City. He was 84. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church in Edmond. Moore was one of the Sooners' oldest World War II veterans when he arrived on campus in 1947. Moore graduated from Blackwell High School in 1940, the same year his father died, so Moore supported his family working at a zinc smelter. In 1942, Moore enlisted in the Marine Corps and during the war served on the U.S.S. Idaho in the Pacific. Moore enrolled at OU in 1947, a full year after most of the war veterans arrived in Norman. Moore was a three-year letterman and a starter on Bud Wilkinson's 1950 team that went 10-1 and won the national title. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma to play Ohio State 2016, and 2017: Ohio State announced plans for matchups against Oklahoma in 2016 and 2017 on Friday and released its schedule for the next four years. The two teams have met twice before, with the Sooners beating the Buckeyes in 1977 and Ohio State evening the series in 1983. "We still have a few details to work out, including where the first game will be, but we have an agreement in principle," said Steve Snapp, associate director of athletics. "We want to play a marquee game every year, either home or away, and Oklahoma certainly fits into that category." (SI.com)
Jerseys to go nameless: It's official. Players' last names will not be displayed on the backs of the Oklahoma Sooners' football jerseys this year. Players wore the new style Friday during media day and a Meet the Sooners event. Head coach Bob Stoops arrived at the decision recently when he figured some players were feeling the sense of entitlement that he's railed against several times. Stoops said this one action wouldn't eradicate that sense entirely. But it's a step. "It takes a lot more than taking names off the jerseys to do that," Stoops said. (Tulsa World)
Bomar and Quinn could retain scholarships:In the unlikely scenario that Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn remain students at the University of Oklahoma, they might still have scholarships. The players were dismissed from the football team this week for breaking NCAA rules. "There has not been a determination made yet with respect to their scholarships," said OU associate athletics director Kenny Mossman in a prepared statement. Since the semester has not begun yet, it's possible the players' scholarships could be revoked, Mossman said, "but that's a decision that coach (Bob) Stoops would make." (Tulsa World)
Former Sooner Aikman heads to Pro Football Hall of Fame: Troy Aikman needed two tries to find the right college, two seasons to win multiple NFL games, and, as a result of several concussions, saw double for part of his pro career.But when it came to putting him into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, voters didn't think twice. In a way, it's remarkable Aikman has gotten this far, considering his bumpy start in both college and the NFL. His college career at Oklahoma ended after he suffered a broken leg and the Sooners went back to a wishbone offense. He transferred to UCLA, where he led the Bruins to a 20-4 record and victories in the Aloha and Cotton bowls. (In part from Cincinnati Post)
A&M-Commerce seeks permission from OU: Texas A&M-Commerce coach Scotty Conley isn't sure when, or if, former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar will be allowed to play college football again. But Conley said Bomar has a home with the Division II Lions if he is reinstated by the NCAA. Conley said he sent a request to Oklahoma officials on Thursday asking that Bomar be released from his scholarship with the Sooners. Under NCAA rules, Conley isn't allowed to have contact with Bomar until he is released by Oklahoma. Conley said he has known Bomar's father, Jerry Bomar, a longtime high school football coach in Texas, for several years because Conley recruited many of Bomar's players. "We've sent a release request to Oklahoma to ask permission to talk to him," Conley said during a telephone interview Friday. "We don't know what Rhett is going to do. We're in the dark as much as anyone." (ESPN.com)
Day 2 Practice this afternoon: OU Football practice is schedule for 5:00-7:00 this afternoon. Practices will be at the rugby fields west of the Lloyd Noble Center, and are subject to change.
Oklahoma Ranks #5 in Preseason Coaches Poll: Oklahoma begins the 2006 season ranked No. 5 in the Coaches' Poll. The Sooners received the most No. 1 votes (13) of any team other than preseason No. 1 Ohio State (28). Texas sat at No. 2 with USC and Notre Dame tied at No. 3. The rest of the top 10 included Auburn, West Virginia, Florida, LSU and Florida State. OU was one of four Big 12 Conference teams in the top 25. Nebraska checked in at No. 22 with Texas Tech at No. 25. Iowa State, Texas A&M and Colorado received votes. (SoonerSports.com Release)
Former Oklahoma players talk: Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn expressed remorse and apologized for breaking major NCAA rules that led to their dismissal from the Oklahoma football team this week. "One thing I just want to say to the fans, to my coaches, to my teammates: I'm sorry," Bomar, a quarterback from Grand Prairie, said in a television interview. "I made a mistake. I mean, I feel bad for it." Quinn, an offensive lineman from Garland, said in the same interview: "The situation in Oklahoma for me was a bad deal I put myself into, and I just want to apologize for the choices that I made." The two players and roommates talked with Oklahoma City's KOCO-TV in interviews that aired Thursday night. However, they did not address specifics about their relationships with a local car dealership. (Dallas Morning News)
Peterson and teammates talks about Bomar and Quinn: "Coach (Bob) Stoops already covered that. I'll leave that to him," running back Adrian Peterson said. "We've just got to pick up and go forward." That was the consensus among those who spoke -- no point in looking back when you can move ahead. "We had to take it," wide receiver Malcolm Kelly said of the news. "Things happen. We're a team. We have to move on and get this thing done." Several players simply shook their head when asked to comment on Bomar and Quinn. (Tulsa World)
Oklahoma to send NCAA report of the Investigation: A report on what the University of Oklahoma has said were NCAA violations committed by two since-dismissed football players will be sent to the NCAA when it is complete, OU athletic director Joe Castiglione said Thursday. Castiglione, speaking at a press conference in Norman, declined to delve into specifics regarding the case of starting quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn, who were kicked off the Sooners' squad Wednesday. But Castiglione and football coach Bob Stoops praised the university's compliance staff for its diligence in uncovering the violations and said they expected the NCAA to look into the situation as well. "I think always there's follow-up, but I feel our compliance staff has done that and continues to do it and never stops doing that," Stoops said. "I believe that this (the two dismissals) will be it, but everything is ongoing." NCAA spokesman Erik Christianson declined to specifically address the Oklahoma situation, which he said is standard procedure in such cases. (ESPN.com)
OU begins practice: Oklahoma opened its 112th season of intercollegiate football with the first preseason practice of 2006 on Thursday afternoon at the rugby fields in Norman. The Sooners will hold all preseason practices at the fields, located west of the Lloyd Noble Center. Scheduled scrimmages will be conducted on Owen Field at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Unless otherwise announced, all practices and scrimmages are open to the public. (SoonerSports.com Release)
President Boren meets with the team: OU president David Boren addressed the OU squad prior to the start of Thursday's practice. And after that, the players circled around and danced and sang out some semblance of a song that included the phrase "Go peg leg, go peg leg, go." The enthusiasm backed up Stoops' assertion that the team is far from reeling after the dismissal of starting quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn. "We were fired up and ready to go," said wideout Malcolm Kelly. "Everyone still has the same goals as before. We're going to go out and get done what we need to get done." (NewsOK.com Practice Report)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Cash amount 18K inaccurate: WWLS' and KOCO-TV Eyewitness News 5's Mark Rodgers, reported on WWLS' Dominant Duo with Al Eschbach and Kirk Humphreys. He sat down this afternoon with both former Sooners, Rhett Bomar and JD Quinn, during the Oklahoma press conference. Rodger's reported that the first dollar figure amount, reported by ESPN.com of $18,000 was inaccurate and far less. Actual dollar figure being that of a regular hourly worker, however the concerns are raised by clocking on before practice, and returning after practice to clock out. Comments from JD Quinn and Rhett Bomar, can be expected on Eyewitness News 5 at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00.
Stoops talks to the media, and names Thompson starter: In a press conference at 3 p.m. today, Bob Stoops announced that Paul Thompson will take the reigns as starting quarterback for OU. He also addressed the fact taht Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn were dismissed from the University of Oklahoma football team Wednesday after a school investigation determined they had been paid for hours they did not work at a Norman car dealership. "We'll discuss it today and no longer after today," Stoops said. "If somebody knows the rules and knowingly breaks them, then everyone suffers the consequences." (NewsOK.com) Oklahoma's Smith on Jim Thope watch list: Oklahoma defensive back Reggie Smith has been named to the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is presented annually to the nation's best college defensive back. Smith, who is one of 33 candidates, started 10 games in 2005 as a freshman and recorded 47 tackles en route to being named to The Sporting News' Freshman All-America and All-Big 12 teams. The Edmond native joins four other Sooners that were named to various preseason watch lists this season in June (Adrian Peterson - Maxwell Award, C.J. Ah You and Larry Birdine - Hendricks Award and Rufus Alexander - Bednarik Award and Lott Trophy). Smith, a 6-1, 199-pound sophomore from Sante Fe High School, started the last nine games of the 2005 season at strong safety and posted interceptions against Kansas State and Texas A&M. He also tackled a season-high eight versus Nebraska and Texas A&M. Oklahoma has three Jim Thorpe Award winners in its historic program, two of which came under current head coach Bob Stoops. Derrick Strait last won the award in 2003, two years after Roy Williams was honored in 2001. Rickey Dixon became the Sooners' first recipient of the award in 1987. (SoonerSports.com Release)
Press Conference Information: Oklahoma's Head Coach Bob Stoops will be holding a press conference this afternoon, addressing the media about Rhett Bomar and JD Quinn. Conference is scheduled for 3:00 CT, will be carried on KOCO's Eyewitness News 5 and streaming at ChannelOklahoma.com.
R. Bomar doesn't comment on release: Oklahoma City, News 9, caught up with (Rhett) Bomar at the Will Rogers World Airport Wednesday night while he was waiting to pick up someone, but he wouldn't comment on his release from the team. (KOTV)
Report: Thompson to Quarterback Sooners in 2006, However: Multiple sources on the University of Oklahoma football team said Wednesday night that Thompson, a senior from Leander, Texas, will quarterback the Sooners this season following the dismissal of starter Rhett Bomar. "Paul's going to be the guy," said one source, who requested anonymity. "There's no trying out. There's no competition. Paul's the guy." The sources confirmed that head coach Bob Stoops informed the team Wednesday during a routine meeting to welcome the team back from summer break. A second source with the team said Thompson is the starter now but said that would change if he proved he was not capable of being the Sooners' QB. "He'll have every opportunity," the second source said. Thompson and Halzle -- as well as QB coach Josh Heupel -- declined comment following Wednesday night's meeting. "We're not allowed to talk," Thompson said. Stoops also declined comment. (Tulsa World)
NCAA spokesman comments on situation: In a telephone interview Wednesday, an NCAA spokesman refused to speculate on OU's situation. Stoops' pre-emptive strike, according to Roberts, bodes well for OU, should the NCAA become a more central figure in this case. And should the NCAA come sniffing around, its investigators are bound to ask questions. "How did these kids get these jobs? Was there a systematic pattern by which they were paid?" Roberts said. "Most important, what did the people in the athletic department know about this? How close is the booster to the department or the coaches? "Unless (investigators) find a direct link between the scheme and the department, the ramifications shouldn't be too serious." (More at Tulsa World)
OU Press Conference Today, no word from Quinn: Stoops and athletic director Joe Castiglione are expected to answer questions at a news conference scheduled for 3:15 p.m. today on campus. Bomar, a 21-year-old Grand Prairie graduate, and his father, Jerry, did not return phone messages. Bomar's mother could not be reached. Quinn, 20, also did not return messages, and no one answered the door at his Garland home. (Dallas Morning News)
More on investigation, and University notifying Big 12 and NCAA: A source with knowledge of the situation said the violations occurred last fall and that Oklahoma had been looking into the situation for "several weeks." The source also said OU had both received and confirmed new evidence "in the last 24 hours" and immediately took decisive action, adding that as far as is currently known, Bomar and Quinn are the only two players implicated. Oklahoma alerted Big 12 commissioner Kevin Weiberg, according to a conference spokesman, and the NCAA, a source said. No one from the NCAA compliance office returned phone calls Wednesday. (In part from Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Reaction from Halzle and Bradford Families: Teresa Halzle, the mother of Joey Halzle, said her son informed her of Bomar's dismissal. "I feel badly for everybody involved," she said in a telephone interview. "I don't know what the kid did, but it's unfortunate. People will get different opportunities now. It's unfortunate for the program." As Oklahoma's players reported for summer camp yesterday, Bradford's father, Kent, said his son's cellphone was inundated with calls about Bomar's situation. Many of the callers were Oklahoma players. Bradford, a top quarterback recruit out of Oklahoma City, would have been a likely candidate to sit out the season as a redshirt. Now he is a candidate to start. "His phone started going nuts, and everybody started calling him," Kent Bradford said in a telephone interview. "It was very unexpected news. It's a heck of way to start off fall practice." (New York Times)
Bomar No Comment: Bomar's mother, Patty Bomar, told the Tulsa World, "I'm not going to comment. I'm not going to. I can't right now," and terminated the call on her cell phone. (Tulsa World)
Dealership, says allegations happened under previous owner: Management of that dealership changed hands in April, and officials said the incident in question, involving payment to Bomar and Quinn for work they did not do, happened earlier and under prior ownership.Eyewitness News 5 repeatedly tried to contact former dealership co-owner Brad McRae but were unable to reach him. The current ownership of Big Red Sports/Imports, headed by David Hudiburg, issued a press release late Wednesday underscoring the fact that the allegations involving OU athletes and the dealership happened before they took over."Since that time, Big Red Sports and Imports has not employed any athletes from the University of Oklahoma," said Jeff Atkins, counsel for the dealership. (KOCO-TV Eyewitness News 5)
SportsNation Poll: ESPN.com asks the Sports Nation, Can Oklahoma reach a BCS game without Rhett Bomar? Pretty much unanimous No at 75% to Yes at 25%. All fifty states, with the exception of Oklahoma pulled a majority No vote. Sooner state voted 61% to 39% Yes/No. 9,733 participated in the non-scientific poll. Vote Now.You can stick a fork in Sooners' title chances: MSNBC.com
Snapshot of the three University of Oklahoma quarterbacks. Paul Thompson, SR., QB/WR, Last year, started season opener throwing 11-26 for 109 yards and an INT last year vs. TCU in a lost. Career 42-73, 428 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INT as a back-up.
Joey Halzle, SO., QB, First year at Oklahoma, JUCO transfer from Golden West Community College as a starter Joey threw for 2,077 yards and 13 TDs in 10 games. Golden West CC went 1-9 in 2005. Halzle runs a 4.58 40.
Sam Bradford, True FR., QB, A top 20 QB prospect from Oklahoma City, playing at Putnam City North, Bradford threw for 2,422 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior. Earning All-State second team by The Oklahoman. Bradford runs a 4.64 40.
ESPN Reports; Bomar received 18K from Dealership: Oklahoma starting quarterback Rhett Bomar will not play for the Sooners this season following an investigation by the team, ESPN's Doug Gottlieb and Joe Schad reported Wednesday. The school said in a statement that the players violated NCAA rules by working at a private business and taking "payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked." Bomar had a job at a Norman, Okla., car dealer at which he'd work about five hours a week, but claimed, for tax purposes, that he earned $18,000 a year, Schad reported. (ESPN.com)
Bomar's father offers no comment: Jerry Bomar, Rhett's father and his former coach at Grand Prairie, when contacted said he had no comment. Another OU source said the action was the result of an investigation that had been going on "for several months." (Star-Telegram)
Sophomore and Starting OL J.D. Quinn Out: Reports are the second unnamed player is reportedly, University of Oklahoma starting offensive lineman, J.D. Quinn. Who has been permanently dismissed, in addition to Quarterback, Rhett Bomar. Both dismissal's stemmed from receiving money from hours both players didn't work, from a local Norman car dealership.
Breaking News, Bomar out as Oklahoma QB: University of Oklahoma, starting QB, #7 Rhett Bomar has been reportedly kicked off the team. In addition, another unnamed player has been permanently dismissed from the team. Reported, dismissals stemmed from a University of Oklahoma investigation. More to come.
Official Release from University of Oklahoma: Based upon an investigation initiated by the University of Oklahoma and facts uncovered by the University, Head Coach Bob Stoops today announced that he has permanently dismissed two members of the Sooner football team. The investigation by OU revealed that two football players received extra compensation above that to which they were entitled related to their employment at a private business. This is a direct violation of NCAA rules. The two accepted payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked. OU is taking the initiative by declaring them ineligible for the entire current season and by permanently dismissing the two from the team. They will not be allowed to return to the OU team at any time in the future. "We spend a considerable amount of time addressing our players regarding their personal conduct and the NCAA rules," Stoops said. "They know exactly what we expect from them. Ultimately, they have to make right decisions. The same holds true for our boosters. When they do not, the consequences are serious, and we will not tolerate this behavior. "Our team and University actions are necessary because of the intentional participation and knowledge of the student-athletes in these violations," Stoops said. "I firmly believe that our program is stronger than any individual player and that a championship program cannot compromise its values," he said. "We are proud to represent a University with the highest possible principles," Stoops said. "I strongly support the decision of Coach Stoops," said OU President David L. Boren. "Coach Stoops has done the right thing. His action reflects the basic values of our University," Boren said. "While this situation is deeply disappointing, the University is sending a clear and unmistakable message that OU will never compromise its high ethical standards or its integrity. We share the sadness about this situation with our fans and players who have followed the rules, but we believe in our program and in this team, which we know will carry on in the great Sooner tradition." (SoonerSports.com)
Coach Stoops and staff visit Bronchos' practice: Bob Stoops and the coaching staff at the University of Oklahoma (visited) today. Maybe I couldn't pick out (Josh) Hartnett in a lineup, but I'd know the Sooners boss and former defensive coordinator extraordinaire at the University of Florida anywhere. Stoops and Head Coach Mike Shanahan share some significant commonalities on their resume', even though each first made their names on opposite sides of the football. Shanahan spent time at OU in the 1970s working under Barry Switzer as a graduate assistant and later moved on to Florida as an offensive coordinator. Shanahan and Stoops have never been on the same staff concurrently ... "(But) I feel like we have," Stoops said. "Coach Switzer always talks about Coach Shanahan and what a great guy he was when he was with him." (DenverBronchos.com)
OU Football Fall practice schedule: Wednesday: Team reports
