Sooner fans take a sigh of breath, a deep sigh. Bob Stoops will remain University of Oklahoma's football coach.
After rampant rumors of him taking over Notre Dame's head coaching position, Stoops, Oklahoma head coach, publicly addressed the rumors of him becoming Notre Dame's next coach on Monday.
And, Stoops re-affirmed his commitment to the Sooners.
"I'm going to be at Oklahoma next year," Stoops said. "If Joe (Castiglione) will have me and President (David) Boren, that's what I intend to do."
And Stoops, wasn't done. After an on-air report by ESPN's Adam Schefter, saying "Notre Dame is interested in Bob Stoops and the interest is mutual." Bob Stoops quickly shot down that report, "I stand by the comments that I made earlier today. I will be at Oklahoma. Any reporting to the contrary is completely unfounded," Stoops said in a statement.
Sources close to both Stoops and the University of Oklahoma confirmed to GNEXTINC.com his intentions to stay with Oklahoma.
One source close to Bob Stoops confirmed to GNEXTINC.com, negotiations between Stoops and Notre Dame broke off after word of talks leaked publicly. Another source, close to University of Oklahoma, said Stoops assured the University he'd remain Oklahoma's coach.
According to both sources, Stoops and ND talks were held through third parties and never really matured.
Stoops, who grew up as a Midwestern Catholic in Youngstown, Ohio, has long been rumored to Notre Dame's job, even, before Charlie Weis' hiring in 2004.
However, Stoops has turned down numerous jobs, since then, including New York Giants, Alabama Crimson Tide and Florida Gators.
But this time the Irish came strong and fully loaded with millions to offer Stoops and desperate for wins. Notre Dame's faithful and school officials had Stoops atop their wish list and fully willing to offer the house. Though aggressively pursued, Stoops rejected Notre Dame, again.
The Irish will likely turn their head coaching search to TCU's Gary Patterson, Stanford's Jim Harbaugh or Cincinatti's Brian Kelly.
20 players from OU, OSU named to Big 12 football All-Academic team: Oklahoma and Oklahoma State each had 10 players make the Big 12 football All-Academic team, which comprised 170 overall Big 12 football players. Six Cowboys made the first team, which requires a grade-point average of 3.20 or better: Senior offensive lineman Andrew Lewis, senior Mark Chestnut, junior Shane Jarka, sophomore Victor Johnson and freshmen Lane Taylor and Brodrick Brown. Two Sooners, fullback Brandon Crow and defensive end Auston English, made the first team, which requires a grade-point average of 3.20 or better. Crow is a special studies major. English is working on a graduate degree in social work. Sooners Ben Habern, Tola Jimoh, Travis Lewis, DeMarco Murray, Jonathan Nelson, Jimmy Stevens, Adrian Taylor and Carter Whitson made the second team, which requires a grade-point average between a 3.0 and a 3.19. From OSU, juniors Kendall Hunter and Chris Donaldson, sophomore Jamie Blatnick and freshman Cooper Bassett made the second team. (The Oklahoman)
Oklahoma's football graduation rates ranks last in Big 12: Oklahoma's football team had the worst graduation rates in the Big 12 under the most recent data released by the NCAA. According to figures released Wednesday by the NCAA, only 45 percent of the football players who enrolled at Oklahoma between 1999 and 2002 earned their degrees within six years. That period coincides with coach Bob Stoops' first four years as the Sooners' head coach. Federal data that does not factor in players who transfer or enroll at mid-year puts Oklahoma's graduation rate for that period at 37 percent, also the lowest in the Big 12. (AP/KFSM)
University of Oklahoma announced, this weekend's game at Texas Tech, the Sooners will unveil Nike's latest football technology, Pro Combat series, a super light-weight uniform.
In addition, debuting the company's new technology, Oklahoma, Florida State, Miami are among programs featuring throwback uniforms designed by Nike.
Drawing inspiration from Sooner history the throwback uniform design honors, Oklahoma's college football reign in the 1950s, Bud Wilkinson's famed "fast break offense" that led the nation in scoring and won National Championships in 1955 and 1956. In addition, the design features retro all-white helmets honoring Oklahoma teams from 1946-1956.
Nike will officially roll-out the technology to schools at the start of the 2010 season.
As the college football season nears an end, silly-season rumors are picking up. And to no one's surprise, rumors concerning Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops arise after arguably the most challenging and unpredictable season in Stoops' tenure. According to Chicago Sun-Times, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops is reportedly interested in Notre Dame if Charlie Weis is fired (as expected).
The paper cites an anonymous source, saying...
[Bob] Stoops has told confidants he would be interested in talking to the Irish.
Other names being mentioned are -- former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, Cincinnati's Brian Kelly and Iowa's Kirk Ferentz.
Stoops in June signed an extension with Oklahoma, reportedly valued over $30 million dollars, through 2015.
Oklahoma to debut new uniforms on Nov. 21: The Sooners will be wearing specially designed, state-of-the-art Nike uniforms called Nike Pro Combat, which the company calls "football's lightest system of dress ever created." OU is one of 10 schools that's been nationally selected to provide a sneak peak of the new uniform before they are officially introduced in 2010. One OU player said the Sooners will wear white helmets with gray facemasks as part of a throwback look. (The Oklahoman)
AD Endroses Pro Combat: In following commerical Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Viking & former Oklahoma running back, promotes Nike's Pro Combat uniform.
From Nike:
The Nike Pro Combat uniform is 37 percent lighter than current designs (23.7 ounces vs. 37.4 ounces). Nike utilized a four-way stretch twill that does not hold sweat or water and as a result, the new uniforms are 46 percent lighter than the current designs when wet. Overall, the Nike Pro Combat uniform, when wet, is still lighter than the current design when completely dry.
Law enforcement to crack down on unlicensed merchandise: University of Oklahoma officials and local law enforcement agencies plan to crack down on the sale of unlicensed merchandise with university logos. OU held a seminar Wednesday with officers from Norman and university police departments. OU athletic department director of licensing Renata Hays says upcoming sweeps will target stores and those who come to Norman on football game days to sell counterfeit products. She says first-time violators would receive warnings, along with demands to remove the items in question. (AP/The Oklahoman)
Stadium officials to reemphasize bag limitations: University of Oklahoma officials announced today that football game management staff will reemphasize limitations on bags allowed into the stadium beginning with this Saturday's game against Baylor, including implementing an airline-type container model for measuring allowable purses. (More at KFOR.com)
Bob and Carol Stoops donate 150k to OU Business School: To benefit University of Oklahoma business students, Bob and Carol Stoops are making a $150,000 gift to support junior faculty who are vital to the classroom as they advance professionally.
The gift from Bob, a 1983 marketing graduate from the University of Iowa, and Carol, an entrepreneur, establishes the Bob Stoops Business Faculty Fellow Program within the Michael F. Price College of Business. The program will assist untenured assistant professors in the college with their research into the areas of accounting, finance, management, management information systems and marketing and supply chain management.
"We all value exceptional faculty members," Coach Stoops said. "I had a number of good instructors during my time in the business school at Iowa and was unaware at that time that donors were contributing to the overall health of the university and my education," he said. "It is gratifying for Carol and me to help out in this way now. We hope that this program will ultimately benefit OU students. I appreciate Dean Evans and everyone who has worked so hard to build a great reputation for the Price College of Business."
OU President David L. Boren said, "The university is grateful for the generous gift to the Price College of Business made by Carol and Bob Stoops. Their strong support of OU's academic mission is a great source of encouragement and opportunity for faculty and students."
Awards in the Bob Stoops Business Faculty Fellow Program will be made to junior faculty who have demonstrated research promise and provided clear evidence of high-level research productivity potential. It will support untenured assistant professors in Price College and support their publication of research findings in professional journals.
"We are grateful for this generous gift from Bob and Carol Stoops," said Price College of Business Dean Kenneth Evans. "Their commitment to supporting faculty in the early stages of their career development is particularly vital to both faculty recruiting and retention efforts. Since my arrival at OU, I have been impressed with the collaboration between OU athletic programs and the campus academic community. The Bob Stoops Faculty Fellow Program will provide valuable resources to assist the college in addressing this priority."
Fan Fest canceled due to rain: University of Oklahoma and Sooner Sports Properties officials announced Thursday that Fan Fest activities before this week's Oklahoma-Tulsa game have been cancelled due to wet grounds. Fan Fest is an interactive fan area that is open prior to OU home football games. It is located on the infield of John Jacob Track. "The grounds were soft for last week's game and we've had more rain since that time," Eric Barnhart, general manager of SSP, said in a release. "We don't want to subject the fans to muddy grounds and we also don't want to do any damage to the track and field facility." The Sooners and Golden Hurricane kick off at 2:30 p.m., Saturday. (PR)
Arlington game cost Norman businesses millions: Sooner fans are headed across the Red River for Saturday's big game in Arlington, but the University of Oklahoma's decision to move the first game out of Norman will cost the city millions. Usually a home game brings a bonanza of business to businesses around campus. "Game days here, our business probably jumps four or five hundred percent, and when it's away, it's just like a normal day," said Suzi Cohen, Campus Corner merchant. So on home game days, all of Campus Corner benefits and so does all of Norman. "Well, we estimate about $8.8 million new dollars comes into the community with a home football game," said Stephen Koranda, Norman Convention and Visitors' Bureau. (More at News9.com)
Sooner fans can take a deep sigh, University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday, the school is not exploring more neutral site games that may take games away from the campus in Norman, Oklahoma.
The Sooners open their 2009 season on the road (only second time in Bob Stoops era) in Arlington, Texas at Dallas Cowboys Stadium against BYU, the game was proposed by ESPN executives. Some Sooner fans have voiced concerned that the school is taking home games to neutral-sites in exchange for a payout or television exposure.
Bob Stoops addressed the issue at his weekly news conference
"I don't think anybody's looking to take games away from Norman, Okla., very often," Stoops said Tuesday. "I know (athletic director) Joe (Castiglione) is very sensitive to that. I don't know what the numbers are but in this community, for our university, for the whole community and the town, you don't want to see it very much. We're not looking to do it very much at all."
The University will get a $2.25 million payout for playing BYU at Cowboys Stadium.
OU and Army announce home-and-home series beginning in 2018: Oklahoma and Army have signed an agreement to begin a two-game football series in 2018. OU and the United States Military Academy made the joint announcement today. The Sooners will host the Black Knights on Sept. 22, 2018, then travel to West Point, NY, to return the game on Sept. 26, 2020. "Naturally, we're thrilled to announce this agreement with Army," said OU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs & Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione. "We have tremendous respect for what the Academy represents and will be privileged to share the football field with its team. "We also recognize the large number of military personnel serving in the general vicinity of Norman and we hope that this series intrigues and excites them just as it does us. And, of course, on the return game, we will be very near New York City, which provides very good East Coast exposure for our program and university." The games will represent the fourth and fifth between the two institutions, who have not met since 1961. OU leads the series, 2-1. (SoonerSports.com)
Annual Meet the Sooners Day to be held Friday: One of the most popular traditions surrounding the Oklahoma football program is Meet the Sooners Day. The annual event kicks off preseason practice and gives the Sooner Nation a unique opportunity to interact with the Sooner players and coaches. The 2009 Meet the Sooners Day is slated for Friday, Aug. 7 at the rugby practice fields west of Lloyd Noble Center. Gates will open at approximately 10 a.m. for OG&E Sooner Kids Club members and at approximately 10:30 a.m. for the general public. Fans are permitted to bring ONE autograph item per person - no exceptions. Admission to Meet the Sooners Day is free and open to the public. The event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Stay tuned to SoonerSports.com for the latest official information. Members of the OG&E Sooner Kids Club are admitted to the event 30 minutes prior to the general public. One parent per Sooner Kids Club member is allowed in the early line and fans are allowed one item per person to be autographed. (More Info at SoonerSports.com)
Walter Cronkite dies at age 92; Called the '37 Sooners: Famed CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite passed away Saturday at the age of 92. Best known for his work during the Apollo moon landing, the assassination of JFK and reporting from the war in Viet Nam, Cronkite also called Oklahoma football for WKY radio in 1937. Cronkite, just 21 when he worked for the Oklahoma City radio station, later recounted that his early work on the broadcasts lacked solid preparation and knowledge. He remedied those shortcomings while calling Tom Stidham's first season as the Sooner coach. It also was the initial season for assistant coach Dewey "Snorter" Luster, who succeeded Stidham in 1941. Like Cronkite, the '37 team got off to a rocky start, winning just one of its first five games with a pair of ties. OU then rallied to win its last four. The two ties ended losing streaks to rival opponents. The 7-7 outcome with Texas, Cronkite's alma mater, halted a string of three straight Longhorn wins in the Red River Rivalry, while the 0-0 tie at Nebraska stopped a six-game streak of futility to the Cornhuskers. The '37 team concluded the season in Norman with a 16-0 win over Oklahoma A&M, and its star sophomore, Allie Reynolds. The victory so elated Stidham that he doled out cigars to the players during the locker room celebration. In the end, Cronkite was the voice for a winner. The team finished with a 5-2-2 mark, including a 3-1-1 record in Big Six Conference play. The University of Oklahoma is proud to count Walter Cronkite among the many fine broadcasters who graced the air waves to call Sooner athletics.(SoonerSports PR)
Did you know: It was in October 1937 WKY began a contract with OU to provide professional broadcasts of its football games. A young man, named Walter Cronkite, just getting started in broadcasting in Texas, was brought in to give play-by-play commentary. (Oklahoma Historic Society)
NCAA asks Oklahoma to keep better student-athlete employment records: The NCAA has asked Oklahoma to enhance its compliance education program relating to the employment of athletes as part of the school's continuing probation following rules violations by former quarterback Rhett Bomar. In a letter sent to the school last month, Committee on Infractions assistant director James A. Elworth asked Oklahoma to emphasize the proper use of forms provided to athletes, their employers and coaches. When the school ran into trouble because Bomar and two other football players were being paid for work they didn't do at a Norman car dealership, Oklahoma was unable to detect the violations because it wasn't making sure athletes were filling out employment forms. The letter was released Friday after an open records request by The Associated Press. Oklahoma must submit annual compliance reports to the NCAA as part of its probation, which is set to end in May. Elworth's one-page letter informed the school that the NCAA had received and approved its 2009 report, but was seeking more information on the monitoring of athletes' employment in next year's report. (Associated Press)
Oklahoma FB season ticket renewal rate at 99 percent: OU athletic department officials announced Wednesday season football tickets have been renewed at a 99 percent rate for the upcoming season. The renewal rate is the highest during coach Bob Stoops' 11 seasons as the Sooners' coach and believed to be the highest in university history. Stoops was recently rewarded for bringing the fans to Memorial Stadium with a huge raise last month, bringing his annual salary up to $3.675 million. OU officials said the school's average renewal rate for season football tickets is around 96 percent, but that figure has not dipped below 94 percent in the Stoops era. "We don't have all the figures, but it wouldn't surprise me if that renewal rate led the nation," OU athletic director Joe Castiglione said in a statement. (The Oklahoman)
Grady to see action in YardDawgz game: Former Sooner Tommy Grady get his shot as Oklahoma City head coach Sparky McEwen announced Tuesday that Grady will be the starting quarterback against Bossier-Shreveport Saturday at the Cox Convention Center. "He's an outstanding young man as well as quarterback," McEwen said. "We want to give him the opportunity to showcase his talent." The Yard Dawgz (7-7) clinched a playoff berth last week, which has given the team options to try to rest some players. (The Oklahoman)
Bob Stoops set to receive $30 million through 2015 plus bonuses: Football coach Bob Stoops and basketball coach Jeff Capel have received new contract extensions featuring stay bonuses aimed at keeping them at Oklahoma long term. Regents governing the university voted Wednesday to approve the new contracts that would keep both of the coaches in charge of the Sooners for seven more seasons. Stoops' new deal would pay him more than $30 million through the end of 2015. He would earn a total of $3.675 million next season, including an annual stay bonus of $700,000 that rewards him for staying through usual coaching hiring season. He will get the bonus in October this season, but in July in subsequent years. (AP/USA Today)
Unknown Oklahoma player received benefits from agent: In a six-month long investigation of how Universities and athletics programs report NCAA violations, The Columbus Dispatch found schools are being less than open with their public records. In most cases, Universities are using FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) to hide the identities and accounts of those involved in NCAA violations (including rogue boosters and agents), while other Universities make it unaffordable to obtain records.
The Dispatch investigation found Oklahoma committed a secondary violation concerning an unknown player.
Date violation discovered: Nov. 2008
The school's report: An unidentified football player traveled to an NFL draft party as the guest of a former college teammate. The $1,300 trip, which included use of a credit card, was paid for by the former teammate's agent. The school erased all names from the violation report.
Penalty: The football player had to repay $832 to a charity from his scholarship, a federal Pell grant, and the school-issued spending money he received during the team's trip to the BCS National Championship game.
The whole story: Publicly unknown.
The player you ask? He's unknown, the University blacked-out the player's name who is question in the name of FERPA.
The same report found, Oklahoma was less-than-transparent, the University often provided little to no information concerning NCAA violations, summer job forms and other public records.
You would think a University, who has reported 224 violations in 17 sports since 2000 would be more open. Then, again, maybe not. Oklahoma remains on probation until May 2010.
Sooners' Bradford and Paris honored for scholarly and athletics achievements: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Ashley Paris were among the finalists named for the 2009 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award. Ten male and female student-athletes were announced as finalists. The winners will be announced in the May 28, 2009, edition of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine. Nominees must have compete in intercollegiate athletics, maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 and be active on their campuses or in their communities. Approximately 600 male and female student-athletes were nominated for the awards this year. The Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award was established in 1992 to honor minority undergraduate students who exemplify the standards of tennis great Arthur Ashe Jr. (SoonerSports PR)
11th Annual Sooner Caravan dates announced: All Sooners and friends are invited to attend an enjoyable meal with the university and athletics staff members. Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione, Head Women's Basketball Coach Sherri Coale, Head Men's Basketball Coach Jeff Capel, Head Football Coach Bob Stoops, and student-athletes will discuss previous successes and outlooks for the coming year. (PR) Schedule below
University of Oklahoma Athletics Department garage sale: The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department will hold a sale of authentic items this Friday and Saturday at the Santee Lounge, located on the west side of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Friday's sale is set from 2-6 p.m., with any remaining items available Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The sale includes numerous game-worn and practice items as well as brand new inventory. Jerseys, helmets, shoes, cleats, shorts, warm-ups, sideline apparel and collared short-sleeved shirts will be available. Metered parking is available in the Asp Avenue Parking Facility immediately west of the stadium off Asp Avenue. Elevators to the Santee Lounge are located under the west side of the stadium. (SoonerSports PR)
University of Oklahoma defends NCAA secondary rules violations: According to the compliance report, Oklahoma's secondary violations of NCAA rules have increased "consistently" since 2002. "However, this trend should not be interpreted as negative, but rather reflects more effective and thorough monitoring," according to the April 1 report written by vice president and general counsel Anil Gollahalli. The report lists 11 total secondary violations for the 2002-03 and 2003-04 school years, but at least 30 for every year since and a high point of 46 in 2005-06. (Star-Telegram)
List of the violations in the report obtained by the Associated Press
providing too much money to a football player to return home for the holidays because of an incorrect address;
coach Bob Stoops and two assistants inadvertantly visiting a recruit's basketball game that had been rescheduled because of an ice storm;
Stoops mentioning at a news conference the name of a walk-on player who was technically still a prospect;
Stoops sending an impermissible text to a recruit when he thought he was sending an e-mail from his BlackBerry device;
assistant coach Jackie Shipp taking a recruit to a restaurant he thought was on campus;
And the program improperly providing meals and lodging worth $361.95 on a recruit's official visit because of a mixup regarding his legal guardian.
University of Oklahoma warns athletes 'drinking,' 'getting wasted' are not hobbies: In a report obtained by the Associated Press, the University's compliance policy outlined student-athlete's personal conduct and social network use.
The policy was among documents sent to the NCAA as part of the university's annual compliance report and released Monday to The Associated Press after an open records request.
Oklahoma also reported that it continues to add rules education programs and software designed to monitor compliance with NCAA rules following major violations by the men's basketball and football programs.
The school is on probation until May 2010.
In the social networking policy, athletes are warned that their postings must comply with a code of conduct and can be punishable with education, counseling, suspension or expulsion and with the reduction or cancellation of financial aid. It warns athletes not to post pictures that would portray them negatively nor post contact information that agents or their runners could use to put the athletes' eligibility in jeopardy.
"'Partying,' 'drinking,' and 'getting wasted' do not qualify as real hobbies or interests," the policy warns.
Stoops, Gundy high-paid public college or university employee: Two of the highest paid college and university employees in Oklahoma are coaches, a Tulsa World analysis found. University of Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops topped the list, earning more than $230,000 by late February, according to a payroll database maintained by the Oklahoma Office of State Finance. Oklahoma State University head football coach Mike Gundy ranked second, pulling in $150,000 as of Feb. 27. The Office of State Finance maintains rolling payroll data for state higher education employees. It does not maintain annual salary data. To get that information, a person must contact the individual college or university, said Jennie Pratt, accounting manager for the Office of State Finance. Pratt said the office doesn't collect salary data because it doesn't have the authority (higher education employees are treated differently than state agency employees) and because payroll data is more accurate. Payroll takes into account overtime, bonuses, pay for additional shifts and other measures that could increase or decrease how much a person makes. "Payroll is true information," Pratt said. "Salary is a projection." According to state data, Stoops and Gundy earn far more than their universities' presidents do. In the first two months of 2009, Stoops made about $200,000 more than OU President David Boren did, data show. Gundy pulled in about $120,000 more than OSU President Burns Hargis did. (More at Tulsa World)
Annual Big Red Rally set for tonight: The CAC Big Red Rally, the annual kickoff event for University of Oklahoma students, is set for Friday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. on the north lawn of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Festivities include the Pride of Oklahoma, spirit squad performances and remarks from OU head coach Bob Stoops. The CAC Big Red Rally will be followed by the Big Red After Party on the East Lawn of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. The Big Red After Party, co-programmed by CAC Concert Series and Union Programming Board, will feature a free concert and food donated by Housing and Food Services. (SoonerSports PR)
Limited tickets available for 2008 Annual Coach's Luncheon: The 2008 Annual Coach's Luncheon, featuring University of Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops and his coaching staff, will benefit Norman's Secret Santa Program and assist in providing gifts to more than 750 boys and girls in protective custody care of the Department of Human Services' Child Welfare Unit. The luncheon is scheduled 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 7 at Journey Church, and tickets are still available, organizers said. "This event is an annual tradition for the Norman community. Coach Stoops and his staff will outline their plans for the 2008 Sooner football season while promoting a level of excitement that only Sooner football can produce," said Janet Richison of the Citizens Advisory Board of Cleveland County.(Norman Transcript) Individual tickets must be purchased in advance for $25. No tickets available at the door!
Will Stoops coach another 10-years at OU? NFL in the future? "I don't know, we'll see," Stoops said. "I love what I do. And it's not very often you are with the same president and athletic director for me. I'm very fortunate to work with President Boren and Joe. It's exciting to go to work every day and I love what we're doing. So I could see it, yeah. But you never know what the world gives you." Having three adolescent children kept the NFL from being an attractive opportunity earlier in his career. But Stoops said that could be amended as they grow older. "Who knows? It's not something that today is really intriguing to me with the age of my children and what we're doing right now," Stoops said. "But life changes as you go. You never know what comes." (ESPN.com)
Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione named APR group chairman: Joe Castiglione, vice president for intercollegiate athletics programs and director of athletics at the University of Oklahoma, has been appointed by NCAA President Myles Brand to chair the Football Academic Progress Rate (APR) Working Group to review the academic progress rate as it pertains to Division I football student-athletes. APR just concluded its fourth year as the measuring device relative to academic performance. "This is an interesting, important and timely initiative" Castiglione said. "Dr. Brand has assembled a dynamic group of intercollegiate leaders to review the program and I feel privileged to be involved in the process. "The NCAA's academic reform package consists of enhanced academic standards, improved measurements of academic success and consequences for the academic performance of teams. This is an appropriate time to examine the impact this effort has had on the sport of football." OU President David L. Boren said, "This well deserved recognition of Joe Castiglione is also an affirmation that the University of Oklahoma is playing a leading role nationally in setting high standards for intercollegiate athletics." Castiglione said the group, which consists of presidents, chancellors, conference commissioners, faculty athletics representatives, athletics directors and head football coaches, already has split into sub-committees to begin the work. (SoonerSports PR)
University of Oklahoma athletic department changes compliance policy: Oklahoma has banned any business from employing more than five Sooners athletes at the same time as part of its response to NCAA violations that occurred when three football players took pay for work they had not done at a car dealership.In a series of compliance changes intended to bring more thorough monitoring of athletes' employment, even those that do not have a job are required to fill out a form stating their status.The changes were outlined to the NCAA in the university's annual compliance report required following major violations by the football and men's basketball programs. The Associated Press obtained the report Tuesday through an open records request.Oklahoma subjected itself to an external audit by The Compliance Group in February 2007 and subsequently updated its student-athlete employment policy. (AP/ESPN.com)
Those who wish to donate to the Jack Mildren Athletic scholarship: Donations should be made payable to the OU Foundation and noted they are for the Mildren Athletic Scholarship. The mailing address is OU Foundation, University of Oklahoma, 180 West Brooks, Room 3575, Norman, OK 73019.
"Jack's conduct through his illness was one of the most courageous things I've ever witnessed. The way he lived his last years was a testament to the kind of man Jack Mildren was. Of course, Jack was the father of the wishbone. He came to us at the perfect time. We could not have accomplished the things we did without him. He helped create the greatest rushing machine in college football. What a complete player, a complete person. He was a runner, a passer and a great leader. We recruited a lot of superstars out of the state of Texas and Jack was the first one." -- Barry Switzer, OU head coach, 1973-1988
"Jack Mildren represented all of the best qualities that define what it means to be a Sooner. As an athlete he played with great heart and as a public official he always acted out of a deep love for our state." -- David Boren, Oklahoma governor, 1975-79; U.S. Senator, 1979-1994; current OU president
"First and foremost, we send our deepest sympathies to Jack's family. For all that he represented to this university and this state, he meant so much more to his loved ones. We want them to know that we are close to them at this difficult time. From the perspective of our football program, Jack was a role model for every young man who wears the Sooner uniform. He was gifted both athletically and intellectually yet was defined by his toughness and fortitude. He found his personal stardom by placing the team first and viewed his academic responsibilities as another opportunity to excel. After graduation he achieved his goals, while remaining loyal to his family and serving others. I don't know how any man could aspire for much more. We will miss him tremendously." -- Bob Stoops, OU head coach
"Jack Mildren was a legendary figure, yet his warmth and humility made him so very personable. That's what makes this loss so heart-breaking. I hope that Janis and the rest of Jack's family, all of whom are in our prayers today, know that while we admired him as a great Sooner athlete, we always valued Jack so much more as a friend. The young people that will follow in our program would be wise to look to Jack's memory for inspiration. We will forever hold him up as an example of dedication, selflessness, achievement and the dozens of fine qualities he embodied. He is a model of what it means to be a Sooner and he will always be missed." -- Joe Castiglione, OU athletic director
"You know, it’s funny that I never played with Jack, but it always felt like I did. I watched him coming up as a high school player and just always felt a kinship with him. I always viewed Jack as sort of a swashbuckler, that daring guy swinging from the ship. He had that chin strap buttoned, but never fitted. I knew he snapped it because those were the rules, but by wearing it loose he made a statement. If it hadn’t been a rule, he probably wouldn't have worn a chin strap. He was the kind of guy you'd want to be in a fox hole with. He fought to the end, and he approached everything in his life that way. There is always great solace in knowing guys like him are around. There is a comfort in knowing the members of our family. He was always the guy in charge. A lot of guys ran the wishbone, but they didn't have the pizzazz Jack had. He is respected as one of our foremost winners and he is one of those ghosts on the wall. When I was playing, his picture was on the wall and you knew that he was watching to make sure you were doing things the right way." -- Joe Washington, OU All-American running back, 1974
"He was the architect of what we did in the wishbone and he set the bar of what Oklahoma expected in a wishbone quarterback. There were guys that were faster and more elusive than Jack, but there were none that were better at running the offense. On most offenses, the toughest guy is the fullback or a lineman, but on our team I think the toughest guy was Jack. We called timeouts some times just so he could get his head cleared. He would do anything to make a play. Jack demanded that you everyone else approach the game the same way. There has been a tradition at OU that you are a great football player on the field and a gentleman off the field. That's what Jack represented. I was shocked when I heard (Jack had passed), but I knew he had an uphill battle. I know he had no regrets. God doesn't make mistakes. We had him for a while. Maybe God was ready to have him now." -- Greg Pruitt, OU All-American running back, 1971-72
"Jack Mildren represented the best of qualities in a student athlete. He had talent, drive and integrity and showed great sportsmanship, on and off the field. He played some of his best games against us, and we had nothing but respect for the way he competed and represented himself and his university.
"As a quarterback coach, I spent a lot of time analyzing his decision-making in the film room, and I can understand why he was an Academic All-American and later inducted into the Academic All-America Hall of Fame. I believe Jack was the first Oklahoma player to receive a post-graduate scholarship. To me, his emphasis on academics says a lot about the way he prioritized his life, and it helps explain why he was so successful after football.
"I have always respected Oklahoma football, and it's because of leaders like Jack Mildren. I want his family and the Oklahoma athletic family to know that they will be in our thoughts and prayers this weekend." -- Tom Osborne, Nebraska coach, 1973-97; current athletic director
University of Oklahoma Board of Regents honor Bradford, Lofton and Robinson: Last Thursday, the OU Board of Regents approved a resolution honoring the Sooners for their accomplishments last season. Among the individual achievements noted in the resolution included: OU's fifth Big 12 title; the school's 30th 10-plus win season; Sam Bradford's setting of an NCAA freshman record for touchdown passes with 36; Curtis Lofton and Duke Robinson earning consensus All-America honors; and the school setting a school-record for attendance in 2007 by averaging 84,858 fans a game. Receiving the resolution were offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and offensive lineman Sherrone Moore. The Regents also honored the men's and women's gymnastics teams. (The Oklahoman)
Oklahoma football team above the national average in Academic Progress Rate: Three Big 12 programs and two teams at Texas State are losing scholarships after being hit Tuesday with NCAA penalties for poor academic performance. The Texas football team had an APR of 942, down from 944 a year ago but tied with Oklahoma for tops in the Big 12. Nationwide, the UT team ranked above average. The APR is designed to track student-athletes' progress toward graduation. A perfect score of 1,000 would mean that all team members are academically eligible. Students who lose eligibility count against a team, as do those who transfer in poor academic standing. Three Big 12 programs that scored below 880 -- Iowa State basketball (861), Texas Tech baseball (864) and Oklahoma State baseball (877) -- were not penalized. Oklahoma had three teams score below 915 -- baseball, men's basketball and golf -- but was not penalized in any sport. (Austin American Statesman)
Big 12 Football APR:
Baylor 938 Colorado 929 Iowa State 927 Kansas 919 Kansas St. 935 Missouri 939 Nebraska 941 Oklahoma 942 Oklahoma St. 935 Texas 942 Texas A&M 932 Texas Tech 928
Sooner Caravan dates and locations announced: The Sooner Club has announced dates for the 10th Annual Sooner Caravan, with stops in Dallas, Tulsa, Houston and Oklahoma City this summer. Join members of the OU Athletics Department staff and fellow fans for food and fun when this year's Caravan rolls into town. The Sooner Caravan is designed as a thank you to loyal Sooner fans like you! To register, please view the instructions below. All Sooners and friends are invited to attend an enjoyable meal with the university and athletics staff members. Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione, Women's Basketball Coach Sherri Coale, Men's Basketball Coach Jeff Capel, Football Coach Bob Stoops and student-athletes will discuss previous successes and outlooks for the coming year. (More Information at SoonerSports.com)
Stoops to kick off OU blood drive scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday: The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department and the American Red Cross are partnering again this year to save lives through blood donation with drives scheduled for Tuesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 16. Donation sites are located at the north end of the stadium on the second floor Athletics Department lobby and the Red Cross Bus parked north of the OU bookstore. Times will be 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at both locations on both days. OU head football coach Bob Stoops is scheduled once again this year to be the first donor. All those coming to donate will receive a commemorative OU T-shirt, a $5 Louie's coupon and a coupon from the OU bookstore. All donors are also eligible to win memorabilia donated by the OU Athletics Department. "Each year, the Red Cross asks for our help and we are very happy to lend our support," said Annette Moran, Assistant Director of Athletic Academic Affairs and blood drive coordinator. "You never know when a family member, friend or neighbor might need the 'gift of life.' This is a chance for OU students and faculty to make a difference." This is the fourth year for the OU Athletics Department/Red Cross blood drive. The Red Cross reports increased efforts to educate high school and college students on the importance of becoming lifetime blood donors. To donate blood you must be 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. The Red Cross reminds those coming to donate to bring a photo ID, such as a Red Cross donor card, OU student ID or driver's license. (SoonerSports PR)
Watts and Washington donates to University: Former University of Oklahoma football players Joe Washington and J.C. Watts plan to donate $10,000 to a campus project aimed to bring sharper focus to OU's black history. Norris Williams, director of the Henderson Scholars Program, said about $100,000 will be needed for renovations, plaques, portraits, lighting and secure cases at the Henderson-Tolson Cultural Center. Washington, who works in OU's athletic department, and Watts, a former U.S. congressman, toured the center Thursday morning before announcing the donation. "I've got a check on behalf of Joe and me,” Watts said, "and with it we'd like to have the (center's) conference room named after Prentice Gautt.” (More at The Oklahoman)
NCAA rules in Oklahoma's appeal case: University of Oklahoma President David Boren announced that he had been notified today by the NCAA that it had reversed the penalty vacating the wins of the 2005 season. The University will be able to count its eight victories during the 2005 season including the victory in the Holiday Bowl. "While we are pleased with the findings by the NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee, we are most pleased for the 100 student athletes and coaches who played by the rules and worked their hearts out for a successful 2005 season," Boren said. The Appeals Committee upheld the University's contention that the 2005 victories should remain intact. On appeal, OU officials said that erasing the 2005 season from the record books was unfair to the more than 100 student-athletes and coaches who had abided by the rules. In reversing the penalty, the Appeals Committee specifically noted the immediate actions of the institution upon its discovery of the violations, the institution's "powerful self-imposed penalty" in permanently dismissing the two involved student athletes, and the institution's cooperation as significant factors in the ultimate detection of the violations. Additionally, the NCAA reversed a portion of the failure to monitor finding handed down earlier by the Committee on Infractions while sustaining the rest of the committee's finding on monitoring and compliance. "We are committed to continue to work to improve our process in an effort to become a model compliance program using best national practices," Boren said. (SoonerSports.com PR)
Report: Oklahoma coordinators' pay increases by 18 percent: Defensive coordinator Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson both received 18 percent raises for 2008, according to their salary figures obtained by The Oklahoman through the Oklahoma Open Records Act. Venables -- who has coached at OU since 1999 -- will make $315,000 in 2008, up from the $265,000 he made in 2007. Wilson -- OU's offensive coordinator for the last two seasons -- will earn $260,000 in 2008, an increase from the $220,000 he made in 2007. Outside of Venables and Wilson, defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator Bobby Jack Wright -- who has been at OU since 1999 -- will earn the most at $225,000. After Venables and Wilson, quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel received the staff's biggest percentage raise. Heupel's 13.3 percent bump increases his yearly salary by $16,000 up to $136,000. (The Oklahoman)
Bob Stoops to earn $2.7 million salary; $3 million bonus in 2008; plus performance bonuses: Bob Stoops is about to become a $6 million coach. Stoops, 47, is scheduled to receive a one-time $3 million benefit on Dec. 31 this year for coaching at OU 10 seasons, according to his contract obtained by The Oklahoman through the Oklahoma Open Records Act. That $3 million benefit, combined with more than $2.77 million he'll receive in guaranteed compensation, along with additional income he could gain from various performance bonuses, means that Stoops could earn more than $6 million in 2008. Sooner athletic director Joe Castiglione admits that figure could invite criticism of OU having misplaced priorities. "People may question why we do certain things," Castiglione said. "But we can measure his impact, not just with success on the field, but the way our team generates interest and excitement because of the leadership of the head coach. He positively affects so many elements of the athletic program, campus community and the state -- you could talk about it from the infusion of excitement to the economic impact." "Bob Stoops is worth every penny and always has been and always will be." (More at The Oklahoman)
Let's not forget the other perks: In addition, Stoops is also provided with *35 hours annually of private airplane use *2 automobiles with insurance *20 football tickets *Membership and monthly dues at a Norman-area golf course
University of Oklahoma approves purchase of compliance software: The OU Board of Regents approved the purchase of $155,000 in computer software today. The new software will help the athletic department track NCAA compliance issues -- continuing to fix the problems that came up after the Kelvin Sampson and Rhett Bomar issues. (The Oklahoman - OU Blog) Wolfe Arrives in Mobile: SoonerSports.com
Updated: OU wants secondary violation dropped: As previously posted; After consulting with a fellow Big 12 Conference school, Oklahoma wants the NCAA to strike a self-reported secondary rules violation from its record. Oklahoma reported that it had broken NCAA rules when it hung jerseys with three prospects' high school numbers in the Sooners' locker room when the recruits came to visit. The university's executive director of compliance, Jason Leonard, subsequently sent a letter to the NCAA asking to have that violation removed, according to documents obtained Friday through an open records request by The Associated Press. Leonard wrote that Oklahoma heard from compliance staff at Missouri after they'd read an AP story published June 12 detailing secondary violations that had been self-reported by Oklahoma. Leonard wrote that he was informed that Missouri – in a similar situation – had been told by a former NCAA official in 2005 that no secondary violation had occurred in that instance. (AP/Dallas Morning News) (8-11-07) Update 2: University of Oklahoma secondary violations removed: The Oklahoma football program had a self-reported secondary NCAA violation removed from its record, according to documents obtained Tuesday by The Oklahoman. Oklahoma originally reported that it had broken NCAA rules when it hung jerseys with three prospects' high school numbers in the Sooners' locker room when the recruits came to visit. In a letter dated July 18, NCAA Associate Director for Enforcement of Secondary Violations, Renee Gomila, wrote that "based upon additional information (OU) submitted, it was confirmed by membership services that under the specific facts of this case, no violation of NCAA legislation occurred inasmuch as personalized numbers and names were not placed on the jerseys displayed during the prospects' visits.” (NewsOK.com)
McCoy suffers broken hand; unlikely to start against Utah State:Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy broke a bone in his right hand on Saturday against Miami but was able to practice Monday with a cast protecting the injury. He said the injury occurred during the Sooners goal-line stand that ultimately ended with a Hurricanes touchdown. McCoy said having a cast over four fingers does hinder his effectiveness, but doesn't actually hurt. "I'm working to get better every day so it won't slow me down," he said. (Tulsa World)
Updated: OU's Patrick suffered cramps: Oklahoma RB Allen Patrick did not play after two carries in the third quarter, but did not reinjure his right ankle, instead suffering leg cramps. (Star-Telegram)(9-9-07) Update 1: Patrick expected to play Saturday:Coach Bob Stoops said senior running back Allen Patrick has worked at full speed this week in practice and is expected to play Saturday. (Dallas Morning News)
Limited OU-Utah State tickets available: The University of Oklahoma has received a limited number of tickets from Utah State, this week's opponent, and has those tickets on sale now. Tickets are available online, by calling the Athletics Ticket Office (800-456-4668 or 405-325-2424) or in person from the Athletics Ticket Office on the west side of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue parking garage. The office's regular business hours are Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets for the game are $47.00 and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. (SoonerSports.com)
Hartley on his missed attempted: “It definitely rattled me a little bit,” he (Garrett Hartley) said Tuesday. “I try to be perfect with everything regardless if it’s a field goal or extra point and when it hit off the left upright I kind of was in shock at first, but I have moved on. I watched film and I know what happened and it was just a timing issue.” (Norman Transcript)
Clapp may be redshirted: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said FB Matt Clapp might redshirt because of the play of Dane Zaslaw and the use of TE Brody Eldridge. (Star-Telegram)
NCAA approves OU's Mitchell fundraiser request: High School. Coach Stoops will present the family with a framed Oklahoma jersey. Checks should be mailed to: The NCAA approved OU's waiver request Thursday to accept funds to help defray funeral costs for football recruit Herman Mitchell killed last week. Those who wish to contribute should mail checks to the OU Athletics Department made out to "O-Club, Inc. " with "Mitchell Fund" written in the memo line. The checks will not be accepted unless the memo line contains "Mitchell Fund". The money will be deposited in an account designated specifically to defray funeral costs for the family. The NCAA also approved Oklahoma's request for head coach Bob Stoops and two additional OU coaches to travel to Houston. The Oklahoma coaches will meet with members of Mitchell's family and visit Westfield.
Checks should be mailed to: OU Athletics Department McClendon Center for Intercollegiate Athletics 180 W Brooks, Suite 3575 Norman, OK 73019
Again, please make out the check to "O-Club, Inc." and write "Mitchell Fund" in the memo line. (SoonerSports PR)
Franks may return kicks? "I remember recruiting Dominique," Sooner assistant Chris Wilson said. "Every week he was returning something (for a touchdown)." Though [Dominique] Franks isn't listed on OU's kick-return depth chart -- Reggie Smith, Juaquin Iglesias, Manuel Johnson and Lendy Holmes are -- coach Bob Stoops mentioned him as well as freshman tailback DeMarco Murray as candidates. (Tulsa World)
OU's Broyles arrested on suspicion of theft: Ryan Broyles, a freshman wide receiver on the University of Oklahoma football team, was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of trying to steal gasoline from a Norman convenience store. The 19-year-old Norman High graduate was arrested on suspicion of attempted larceny and taken to Cleveland County jail. He was released on a $200 bond. Norman Police Capt. Leonard Judy said an officer around 12:10 a.m. spotted a sport utility vehicle parked at the gas pumps of the Mr. Shortstop store at Alameda Street and 12th Avenue SE. The store was closed, but the officer saw a man standing between the vehicle and a gas pump. The investigating officer reported the man having a key to the pump along with overriding codes to activate the pump. The key unlocked a pump door that leads to a keypad on which to type the code. (NewsOK.com) Update:Stoops: Broyles Suspended Indefinite Period of Time WR Strong quits team: Oklahoma wide receiver Fred Strong has left the football team, university officials confirmed Thursday. Strong, a sophomore from Austin, caught nine passes for 73 yards last season. Strong was expected to contribute to this year's team but wasn't healthy in the preseason and was passed on the depth chart by sophomore Adron Tennell and freshman Ryan Broyles. (Tulsa World)
Limited OU/North Texas tickets available: The University of Oklahoma Athletics Ticket Office has received a limited number of returned tickets from the University of North Texas for this Saturday's game. Tickets are currently available 24 hours a day online at SoonerSports.com, by calling the Athletics Ticket Office at 800-456-4668 or 405-325-2424 during regular business hours Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or in person at the Athletics Ticket Office on the west side of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Tickets for the game are $47 each. The Sooners and Mean Green kick off this Saturday at 6 p.m. (SoonerSports PR)
Big Red Rally Tomorrow: The Big Red Rally, the annual kickoff event for University of Oklahoma students, is set for Thursday, Aug. 23. The gates to Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium open at 5:00 p.m. The Sooners will hold a brief scrimmage on Owen Field prior to the event which starts at 6:00 p.m. Festivities include the Pride of Oklahoma, spirit squad performances and remarks from OU head coach Bob Stoops and team captains as well as the OU soccer and volleyball teams. At 7:00 p.m., the Little Red Rally, an event aimed at children, begins on the Brooks Mall north of the stadium. (SoonerSports PR)
Highly respected:As previously posted, Oklahoma voted their team captains. "Those guys have been awesome leaders for us," coach Bob Stoops said. "They got probably 95 or 96 percent of the vote." (Tulsa World)
OU ranked eighth in college football sales: Oklahoma ranked No. 8 in college football, the Sooners also are ranked eighth in college merchandise sales. Sunday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution released the 2006-07 school-year sales of the Atlanta-based Collegiate Licensing Company, which brands merchandise for nearly 200 college athletic programs, including OU and OSU. The Cowboys also made the top 25, coming in at No. 24. Texas finished No. 1 for the second consecutive year. Michigan, which was second last year, dropped to No. 4, and Notre Dame replaced the Wolverines at No. 2. (NewsOK.com)
No Quarterback Announcement yet: Everyone except coach Bob Stoops and his staff [named a QB]. No official announcement came Monday -- the first day of fall classes at OU -- as to who would start at quarterback in the Sooners' season opener Sept. 1 against North Texas. OU coaches and players were not made available to the media following Monday evening's practice but are expected to be available today. (Dallas Morning News)
Murray's improvements come by suggestion: [DaMarco] Murray said the reason for the turnaround was not attempting to turn every carry into a big run. "Coaches have been telling me not to try to make the big play all the time,” Murray said. "I let the offensive line open up the holes and just made my cuts.” (NewsOK.com)
Former Sooner Beeler to visit Stanford: Oklahoma sophomore center Chase Beeler might be transferring to Stanford. Beeler, originally recruited by the Cardinal, reportedly has been granted his release by the Sooners and made his official visit to Stanford on Saturday. (San Francisco Chronicle)
