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)
J. White and Billy Sims Statues to join Heisman Park: The two statues will join statues of OU's other Heisman Trophy winners, Steve Owens and Billy Vessels, already in place east of Owen Field. The Sims statue will be unveiled at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 1, before OU plays North Texas at 6 p.m. The White statue will be unveiled at 9 a.m. Sept. 8, before OU faces Miami at 11 a.m. (Dallas Morning News)
OU Athletic pledge to become an annual event: Sunday night, almost 500 Oklahoma student-athletes will recite the Sooner Oath, a new pledge written by members of the student-athlete advisory council. The idea for the Sooner Oath came a year ago from athletic director Joe Castiglione, who asked then-advisory council president Brittney Koncak-Schumann, a former gymnast, and the rest of the council to write a pledge that would remind students of their responsibilities as Sooner athletes. Jaclyn Stelzer, who plays on the women's golf team and serves as the advisory council president, will lead the students through the oath in a ceremony at the Carl B. Anderson All-American Plaza, just east of the Switzer Center. OU president David Boren and former Sooner football coach Barry Switzer are scheduled to speak at the event, which will begin at 6 p.m. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma ranked 59th in strength of schedule:CBSSportsline.com has published their toughest/easiest NCAA Football schedules of the 119 Division 1-A teams. Washington Huskies topped the list, followed by LSU, and Kentucky, Mississippi, Mississippi State tied at third. The Big 12 conference overall finished 5th, trailing Big 10, Pac 10, Big East, and SEC atop the conference strength. Checkout CBSSportsline to see how their formula is figured.
Big 12 Strength of Schedule 26 Nebraska 30 Baylor 45 (t) Kansas State 45 (t) Texas 45 (t) Oklahoma St. 50 (t) Iowa State 50 (t) Texas A&M 50 (t) Texas Tech 59 (t) Colorado 59 (t) Oklahoma 65 (t) Kansas 65 (t) Missouri
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)
Sooners and Bearcats series official; OU to play UC at Bengal Stadium in 2010: As posted previously,Oklahoma vs. Cincinnati Slated for 2008 and 2010?..The University of Cincinnati and Oklahoma have signed a contract to play each other in a home-and-home football series, beginning in 2008 when the Bearcats will travel to Norman to face the Sooners on Sept. 6. Oklahoma, which plays in the Big 12 Conference, will return the game on Sept. 25, 2010 at Paul Brown Stadium. UC and Oklahoma have never played each in football. "If we expect Bearcat football to be a national presence and compete in the BCS, we need to play nationally recognized programs," said UC coach Brian Kelly. "This is an opportunity for UC to play at the highest level and host a BCS program in an NFL venue." (The Enquirer)
Oklahoma Sooners practice report: Stoops gave his first practice update since OU's media day last Friday. "We're much further along than we were a year ago at this time," he said. "Guys are competing well and doing good." As for his three quarterbacks? "(They) look good," he said. "They all are making really good progress." (Tulsa World)
Scrimmage open to the public: Oklahoma's first scrimmage of the fall is open to the public, scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Owen Field.
Oklahoma QBs talk about getting the nod: From the Tulsa World.. "It'd be great for me," Joey Halzle said. "This is what I've been working at my whole life. I've always wanted to get to this level, and once I got to this level, play. So this would be one of my dreams come true."
"It would mean a lot," said Sam Bradford. "Growing up here, my dad played here, just coming to the games as a kid, it's kind of been one of my dreams growing up as a kid. I think it would definitely mean a lot to me to walk out there and play in front of 85,000."
"I think everybody, every little kid, dreams of that moment," said Keith Nichol. "You watch college football at home on Saturdays, just a year ago, I was watching preseason stuff on ESPN. I was dreaming of it then, what it'd be like. To say I wasn't doing it now would be a lie. So yeah, I dream of it."
Large crowd at Meet the Sooners: OU's annual Meet the Sooners Day drew an estimated 10,000 fans on Friday, according to the school's event management staff. (Tulsa World)
McEachern to play after all: [Hayes] McEachern, a film and video studies major, was on hand Friday and said he plans to play this season after all. "I kind of determined that if I look back on it in a couple years, will I regret quitting?” McEachern said. "And I figured I would.” (NewsOK.com)
Eldridge back in limited role: Tight end / fullback Brody Eldridge injured his knee and ankle in the Red / White Game (he had a screw implanted in his leg to stabilize the ankle), but seems to be on his way back. "Brody Eldridge is hands-down the best blocker on our football team," said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, who added that Eldridge has returned to practice in a limited role. "They don't want to overdo it and have some irritation." (Tulsa World)
OU coaches visit Patriots' camp: Last weekend, Bob Stoops and several assistants were on the sidelines for a couple of New England Patriot workouts. "Tom Brady's arm wasn't very impressive, but his anticipation and his knowledge and his placement of the ball was so strong," OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson noted. It's a point that relates to the Sooners' three starting quarterback candidates. (Tulsa World)
D. Williams back in week or two: Senior starting free safety Darien Williams is "still another week or so away” after undergoing surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot July 16. "He's moving around and said he feels great,” Stoops said. (NewsOK.com)
OU Tickets Commemorating Oklahoma's Centennial: With the 2007 football season opener just weeks away, anticipation is mounting for fans awaiting the arrival of their season tickets. Tickets are scheduled to be mailed out at the end of this week. Featuring the official logo adopted by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission commemorating the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma's statehood, the 2007 Sooner football tickets link the impact each institution has had on the other. As stated on the tickets, while the Sooners actually pre-date Oklahoma's admittance to the Union by 13 years, the two have reveled in each other's success and pulled from each other's strength for so long that they are now nearly one in the same. For many, you can't say 'Oklahoma' without saying 'Sooners'. The 2007 tickets feature a selection of record-setting team and individual performances from Oklahoma's football tradition. (SoonerSports.com)
Former Sooner Cody may miss entire NFL season: [Dan] Cody, who is in his third season with the Ravens, will sit out the next four weeks. He hyperextended his right knee and tore cartilage during a non-contact drill on May 20. He told The Sun he had his knee scoped two weeks ago. If his knee doesn't improve, he could have surgery, which would force him to miss the season. (NewsOK.com)
Reminder Oklahoma Football Single Game Tickets on sale Tomorrow: As previously posted.. Tickets for the 2007 Oklahoma home football games will go on sale Wednesday, August 1 at 8 a.m. Fans may purchase tickets online at SoonerSports.com or by calling 800-456-GoOU. Due to the high volume of calls expected, fans are encouraged to make their purchases online. Beginning at 10 a.m., tickets will also be available for purchase in person at the Athletics Ticket Office located on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue parking garage. Athletics department officials anticipate that a limited number of tickets will be available for each of the seven home games. The tickets, which range in price from $47 - $77, will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. (SoonerSports PR)
Oklahoma Football Single Game Tickets on sale August 1: Tickets for the 2007 Oklahoma home football games will go on sale Wednesday, August 1 at 8 a.m. Fans may purchase tickets online at SoonerSports.com or by calling 800-456-GoOU. Due to the high volume of calls expected, fans are encouraged to make their purchases online. Beginning at 10 a.m., tickets will also be available for purchase in person at the Athletics Ticket Office located on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue parking garage. Athletics department officials anticipate that a limited number of tickets will be available for each of the seven home games. The tickets, which range in price from $47 - $77, will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. (SoonerSports PR)
Oklahoma home games are as listed: Sat, Sep 1 North Texas Sat, Sep 8 Miami (Fla.) Sat, Sep 15 Utah State Sat, Oct 13 Missouri Sat, Oct 27 Oklahoma State Sat, Nov 3 Texas A&M Sat, Nov 10 Baylor
University of Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops Big 12 Media Day Quotes:
On Oklahoma's Quarterback race: Bob Stoops:I think the big issues I'll address right off the bat is everyone wants to talk about are quarterback situation and everyone wants to know who the guy is. We don't have a timetable. That position, as I keep saying, needs to be earned. I want that position. And we've been fairly successful. I've said this before. We've had four different quarterbacks win four different Big 12 championships. So this isn't anything new to us. We believe that that position needs to have the confidence of the team. Needs to have the respect of the team in the huddle, in the locker room, and you only get that through your time on the field. And they haven't had the time yet.
How does losing Adrian Peterson effect the Oklahoma offense: How will we handle that? But I believe for the most part everyone saw us do that a year ago. We average rushing the ball actually more yards per game without him than we did with him.
Defensive Expectations: Defensively I'm excited about the group of guys that are back. I feel overall the biggest question I think everyone will have will be at linebacker, but with guys like Curtis Lofton, Ryan Reynolds is healing great in a great way, will be set to play.
Q. Bob, can you just kind of take us through your back field and how you would foresee that? How would you like that to develop with Allen and what he did last year, maybe some of the other guys like Chris and DeMarco?
COACH BOB STOOPS: Well, I'd like to see them rush the ball for a bunch of yards. I think in the end, the way we look at it, I don't feel any of those guys have the physical, maybe, prowess that Adrian had, that Adrian Peterson had. The stamina and the strength that he had is very unusual. Adrian could play 60 snaps or more. These guys, I just don't feel their body types through hopefully 14 games will be able to -- so in the end we look to use them, each of them 20, 25 snaps in that kind of way. And Allen Patrick, I think as much as anything they need to be able to take care of the football. And they did a year ago. But Allen Patrick, Chris Brown, had the bulk of the load last year when Adrian went down and did a great job for us. And I expect them to be every bit that good or better with another year. And DeMarco Murray showed great excitement and promise through the spring. Probably showed through the spring to be our biggest play threat with DeMarco back there. And he's up to about 205, 210 pounds. He's put on muscle and looks good. So we'll use him to complement one another. I think in the end it will be better because we'll be able to keep them fresh. A fresh set of legs hitting the defense in a different series I think helps. Via Big12Sports.com
Boren said, "The university has limited its appeal to only two specific areas among several findings made by the NCAA and penalties assessed. We have accepted the large majority of the NCAA's findings and penalties because we agree that the highest possible standards of conduct and ethics should be maintained and that when mistakes are made, even if they are unintentional, institutions must be held accountable.
"I personally feel that the Infractions Committee provided the university with a full and fair opportunity to present its view of the case. I also appreciate the comments made by the committee chairman Paul Dee in saying that the committee took into account the fact that OU investigated and found the evidence of wrong doing in this case, immediately reported the evidence to the NCAA, and acted decisively to permanently remove the players involved from the team.
"Even as we appeal these two limited items, OU will continue its vigorous effort to build a compliance system that is second to none. Almost five years ago, I tasked our Director of Athletics, Joe Castiglione, to develop a set of best practices from other major programs for us to implement. It is ironic that our effort to move employment oversight from the Athletics Department academic office to the compliance office, which was part of our enhanced monitoring plan, resulted in an unintended temporary lapse in recordkeeping as the new plan was being implemented. We agree with the NCAA that this mistake was made, but believe that it was an unintentional mistake and not a failure to monitor, which implies a failure to have a comprehensive monitoring system.
"Almost a year ago, as another part of our enhanced monitoring plan, I directed that the compliance staff be moved for reporting purposes from the Athletics Department to the Office of the General Counsel. This assures the complete independence of the compliance operations. We have continued, even as the current case was pending, to enhance our compliance staff which now has eight full-time professional positions, including three with law degrees, and one part-time employee. Jason Leonard, the executive director, is also an attorney. In addition, electronic software to speedily track all records continues to be substantially upgraded.
"Our goal is to have a compliance program which will be a model for other NCAA member institutions. I hope that the continued upgrading of our compliance system and our quick action in dealing with any wrongdoing has sent a message to the NCAA and to the public that OU has set the highest possible standards for itself. I will always be proud of the immediate action taken by Coach (Bob) Stoops just days before the 2006 season began.
"In addition to the finding on the monitoring issue, we have also served notice today that we will appeal the penalty which involves the vacating of the 2005 record of the team and the coaches. Since two of the players involved have been allowed to play at other schools, I felt an obligation to appeal that part of the ruling which punishes all of those players and coaches who worked so hard and played by the rules. I feel that we would be letting down these student athletes if we did not appeal on that issue." (University of Oklahoma PR)
I've been e-mailed and asked. What's the history of NCAA violations involving the University of Oklahoma football team. This includes only major violations (as listed by the NCAA) for football team. The NCAA list six major infractions by the Oklahoma football team dating back to January 1956.
January 11, 1956 - NCAA found University of Oklahoma football team violated improper transportation; extra benefits; improper recruiting inducements.
Result: 1 year Probation
January 11, 1960 - NCAA found University of Oklahoma football team violated improper financial aid; improper recruiting inducements; outside fund; lack of institutional control.
Result: 1 year Probation, 1 year post season ban, 1 year television ban
September 20, 1973 - NCAA found University of Oklahoma football team violated extra benefits; including improper recruiting inducements; lodging, publicity and transportation; tryouts; excessive number of official visits; excessive time for official visits; in addition to academic fraud; eligibility; unethical conduct.
Result: 2 year Probation, 2 year post season ban, 2 year television ban, one assistant football coach not allowed to recruit.
November 11, 1980 - NCAA found University of Oklahoma football team violated improper financial aid; improper recruiting contacts, entertainment and transportation.
Result: Publicly reprimand.
December 19, 1988 - NCAA found University of Oklahoma football team violated improper transportation; extra benefits; complimentary tickets; improper recruiting contacts, employment, entertainment, inducements and transportation; unethical conduct; outside fund; lack of institutional control; certification of compliance.
Result: 3 years probation; 1 year television ban; 3 years probation; Maximum of 18 initial grants for 1989-90 and 1990-91 football season. maximum of eight coaches may recruit off campus for 1989-90; OU limited to maximum of 50 official visits for 1988-89 and 1989-90; The University of Oklahoma files annual reports regarding compliance programs; University of Oklahoma must show cause why more penalties should not be imposed if institution does not remove two assistant coaches and recruiting coordinator from recruiting and disassociate one representative.
If you missed the NCAA ruling, find it at NCAA Lays Down the Law to Oklahoma -- Sooners to Vacate Wins. Oklahoma does not forfeit games: "Vacate does not mean forfeit," explained Paul Dee, acting chair of the committee, which issued the findings and assessed the penalties. The teams that Oklahoma beat wouldn't get credit for victories. The Sooners' record for 2005 would be 0-4. (Dallas Morning News)
Audio from the NCAA teleconference available at KFOR.com:Part 1 - Part 2
No Response from Rhett Bomar or Brad McRae: Former Big Red general manager Brad McRae and Bomar did not return phone calls Wednesday. Bomar's father, Jerry Bomar, declined comment. Quinn told The Associated Press the ruling was "dumb." "I have no idea," Quinn said. "I don't care." (NewsOK.com)
It's comical when he tells KFOR's Brian Brinkley get a REAL job.
Two ESPY wins related to Oklahoma-Boise State:Boise State's improbable last-second win over Oklahoma during a wild finish in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl helped take the team to the top of the Internet voting in the best game category -- over an Oklahoma State/Texas college hoops tilt, and the Colts/Patriots NFC Championship game. The Jared Zabransky to Ian Johnson two-point conversion play that won the game in overtime took the best play category. The so-called "trick play" beat out plays from Major League Baseball, NFL, NBA and the X Games. (AP/KTVB)
University of Oklahoma President David Boren issues statement; OU to appeal ruling: The University of Oklahoma will appeal the decision announced Wedenesday by the NCAA Committee on Infractions. OU President David L. Boren and Head Football Coach Bob Stoops released statements of reaction. (SoonerSports.com)
Statement from OU President David L. Boren: "It is appropriate that the action taken today by the NCAA does not limit the ability of our football team to succeed in the upcoming or future seasons." "In light of all the circumstances surrounding this case and as a matter of principle, the university has decided to appeal two elements of this decision - the penalty of erasing the 2005 season record and the finding of failure to monitor. Any mistakes made by the athletics department compliance staff while monitoring would not have prevented the intentional wrongdoing by the student athletes and the employer involved. The university developed the evidence of wrongdoing by the players and employer and took immediate action. Myles Brand, President of the NCAA said at the time, `.... I want to compliment the university insofar as that they took immediate action once they completed their internal investigation.'" "Above all, we do not believe that erasing the 2005 season from the record books is fair to the over 100 student athletes and coaches who played by the rules and worked their hearts out for a successful season that year." "The University remains strongly committed to setting the highest possible standards for our athletics program. We are continuing to enhance our compliance system, which includes the action taken last year to house the comprehensive compliance program in the Office of the General Counsel of the university."
Statement from OU Head Football Coach Bob Stoops: "I strongly support President Boren's statement and position, and I appreciate his support of our program. Our current team is focused on the upcoming season. The university is dealing with a matter that relates to the 2005 season. This group of players and those that will join our program later have no reason to be concerned about our goals or the direction of our program. Those things remain unchanged. We remain a program that is concentrated on winning championships and my expectation is that we will compete on that level for many years."
The University of Oklahoma to vacate 2005 wins: The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions has penalized the University of Oklahoma for major violations in its football program.
These violations involve three football student-athletes receiving payment for work not performed at a Norman, Oklahoma automobile dealership. The impermissible benefits totaled approximately $17,000 in unearned wages and led to the committee finding that the institution failed to monitor the employment of football student-athletes.
Penalties for the violations include adding two years to the university's current probationary period, a reduction in allowable financial aid, and a vacation of records for the 2005 season including a bowl game victory.
The committee stated in its report that, "although this case centered on a few violations involving three student-athletes, the committee finds this case to be significant and serious for several reasons." These reasons include the value of the extra benefits provided by a booster; the fact that the violations continued over several months, which led to two of the student-athletes competing while ineligible; and the university had appeared before the committee only one year earlier for a case in which the committee found that the institution failed to monitor the men's basketball staff's telephone contacts with prospective student-athletes.
The violations were intentional on the part of the involved student-athletes and the dealership's manager, who was also a representative of the university's athletics interest. Two of the involved student-athletes received payment from the dealership for time that they were participating in football practices and voluntary workouts, attending class and otherwise away from the dealership.
As a regular practice, the two student-athletes clocked in for work, left the dealership, then returned later to clock out of work. On other occasions, one of them would clock the other in or out, so that both would be paid when only one was present. Based on records obtained from the dealership, it was also found that the third student-athlete was also clocked in and paid for times that he did not work, including time that was spent participating in a scrimmage and game.
In finding that the university demonstrated a failure to monitor, the committee noted the university failed to follow established procedures for the monitoring of student-athletes' employment when it did not timely collect gross earnings statements for 12 student-athletes who notified the university of their employment at the auto dealership during the 2005 summer vacation period. It was also found that the university failed to detect that football student-athletes worked at the auto dealership during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 fall and spring academic terms.
The university disagreed that facts of the case demonstrated a failure to monitor, stating that the compliance monitoring system was adequate and effective, but could not have been expected to detect this specific situation. The university noted that the situation involved student-athletes, in concert with the dealership's manager, engaging "in a deliberate scheme to deceive both the employer's payroll system and the university's employment monitoring system in an attempt to violate NCAA rules of which they were well aware."
However, the committee found that the university "made several mistakes in a narrow, but significant area – the employment of football student-athletes at the dealership, which resulted in a breakdown of its monitoring. When such mistakes result in significant violations of NCAA legislation, as in this case, a finding of failure to monitor is appropriate and justified."
The committee stated that because the dealership was the apparent largest employer of student-athletes, the university should have undertaken more extensive efforts to monitor the student-athletes' employment. It was noted that the university relied on the initiative of the football student-athletes to register their employment with the school as the only means of triggering the monitoring process. The committee also stated that the delay in detecting the violations meant that two of the student-athletes were able to compete during the entire 2005 season and practice during the spring of 2006.
In determining the penalties, the Committee on Infractions considered the university's self-imposed penalties and corrective actions. The penalties, some of which were self-imposed by the institution and adopted by the committee, are as follows:
-Public reprimand and censure.
-Two additional years of probation to be added to the conclusion of the institution's current probationary period. As a result, the institution's extended probationary period will expire on May 23, 2010.
-The institution permanently dismissed two student-athletes from the football team at the point when it determined they had knowingly and willfully been involved in receiving payment for work not performed. The third student-athlete had been previously dismissed for violations of team rules (self-imposed by the university).
-During the 2006-07 academic year, the university did not re-award or reallocate the financial aid awarded to the two dismissed student-athletes, resulting in a reduction of two scholarships in football (self-imposed by the university). The university shall further reduce football scholarships by two for each of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years. This limits the university to a total of 83 football scholarships for those two years.
-Vacation of all wins in which the two ineligible student-athletes competed during the 2005 football season. The individual records of these student-athletes shall be vacated as well. Further, the university's records regarding football as well as the record of the head coach will be reconfigured to reflect the vacated wins and so recorded in all publications in which football records for the 2005 season are reported, including, but not limited to, university media guides, recruiting material, and university and NCAA archives. Finally, any public reference to these vacated contests, including the bowl game, won during this time shall be removed from athletics department stationary, banners displayed in public areas and any other forum in which they may appear.
-The institution disassociated the dealership's manager who supervised the student-athletes at the center of this case. This period of disassociation will be for at least five years (until Aug. 21, 2011) (self-imposed by the university).
-The committee further requires that the dealership manager be restricted from supervising or otherwise overseeing, in an employment capacity, any of the university's student-athletes during the five-year period.
-The university will reduce the number of football coaches who can recruit off campus by one during the fall 2007 evaluation period (self-imposed by the university).
The Committee on Infractions consists of conference and institutional athletics administrators, faculty and members of the public. The committee independently rules on cases investigated by the NCAA enforcement staff and determines appropriate penalties. The committee's findings may be appealed to the Infractions Appeals Committee.
Members of the Committee on Infractions who reviewed this case are Paul Dee, director of athletics at the University of Miami, formerly the university's general counsel, and acting chair; Eileen Jennings, general counsel at Central Michigan University; Alfred "Jim" Lechner, Jr., attorney with the Westfield, N.J., law firm of Lerner David and formerly a federal district judge in New Jersey; Gene Marsh, James M. Kidd Sr. Professor of Law at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa School of Law; Thomas Phillips, attorney with the Austin, Texas, office of the law firm Baker Botts and formerly the chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court; Bonnie Slatton, professor of physical education and sport science, University of Iowa; and Dennis Thomas, the commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and formerly director of athletics at Hampton University. (NCAA PR)
I've been told, NCAA will announce their findings into the University of Oklahoma football violations this afternoon. NCAA penalties and/or sanctions (are likely) expected to be announced via conference call. More to come when available. Remember, it's been awhile since May 24, when Oklahoma expected the announcement in one to two weeks.
Big East future non-conference schedule slates OU vs UC:According to the future non-conference schedules released by the Big East. Oklahoma will host the University of Cincinnati in 2008, with Oklahoma traveling to Cincinnati in 2010. Both University websites do not announce or note the future games. Though, an official announcement is expected at a later date.
Meet the Sooners Set for Aug. 3: The annual Meet the Sooners Day presented by Alltel has been set for Aug. 3 at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The event, which is highlighted by Oklahoma football coaches and players signing autographs, draws thousands of OU fans to Norman each year. Details pertaining to this year's event, including information on parking, gate openings, exact location, etc., will be made available at a later time. Gates will open at a yet to be determined time and the signings are slated to begin at 10 a.m. (SoonerSports PR)
Sooners using next generation helmets to monitor head injuries: At first glance, it looked like a typical, run-of-the-mill helmet. Face mask. Ear holes. Hard-plastic shell. But as [OU head trainer Scott] Anderson and members of the NCAA sports science committee watched Rick Greenwald's demonstration at the NFL combine two years ago, it became clear to the OU trainer he was getting a glimpse into the future. "The system does not diagnose head injuries," Greenwald said. "But it does provide an important tool for clinicians on the field. It could prevent further injury caused by repeated head trauma.” Greenwald's helmet is equipped with tiny airbags, scattered in between the foam padding. Each airbag serves as a sensor, the sensors are connected to a transmitter. At impact, the airbags process their signal through a complex algorithm devised by Greenwald. If the impact registers greater than 98G — units of gravity or G-force — the signal is transmitted wirelessly to a remote computer and medical staff receive an electronic page. All in a matter of seconds. "I was immediately intrigued from a head injury standpoint and a heat-related injury standpoint," Anderson said. The helmet is also outfitted with a tiny thermostat to measure head temperature. "We quickly got on board." At first, OU partnered with Greenwald's New Hampshire-based Simbex company on what Anderson called a "base level." The system is expensive -- Anderson estimated a 40-helmet set at more than $60,000 -- and is only available in Riddell Brand helmets. But a year later, almost every player on the Sooners' two-deep was equipped with HITS -- Head Impact Telemetry System. (More at the NewsOK.com)
OU Enters Agreement with KTUZ for first ever Spanish Broadcast: KTUZ-FM, La Zeta (106.7 FM) and Sooner Sports Properties have entered into an agreement for the first Spanish-speaking broadcast of a University of Oklahoma athletics event. The station will broadcast live the Oklahoma-Miami football game from Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Sept. 8. Sooner Sports Properties is a division of Learfield Communications, which owns OU's athletics multi-media rights. Skip Stow, general manager of Tyler Media, which owns KTUZ, feels the time is right to embark on this venture. "With the majority of students now in the Oklahoma City public school system coming from Spanish dominant households we felt that now was the time to expand our sports coverage and offer our listeners University of Oklahoma football in Spanish," he said. OU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione said the new opportunity is exciting. "We recognize the presence and impact of the Spanish-speaking media and KTUZ specifically," he said. "It is obvious to us that the marketplace is evolving and we want to pursue these new opportunities. We see this as an avenue to expand a very large fan base and we are pleased that we can partner with Skip Stow. "We want Spanish-speaking citizens to know that we embrace them for our events and we will seek other ways to encourage their interaction with our programs." The broadcast team will be anchored by T-30 Sports Director Rene Nava. Color commentary will be handled by James Kopelman and the stats will be done by Gabriel Ocegueda. (SoonerSports.com)
The redesigned SoonerSports.com; Two thumbs up: The OU Athletics Department welcomes you to the latest design of its official site, SoonerSports.com. The new site updated on servers Friday night and continues implementation throughout the weekend. The OU Athletics Department and CSTV committed considerable research, planning and design resources in developing the new SoonerSports.com. OU is recognized as a leader in intercollegiate athletics and its official site follows in that tradition. For many, the site serves as the front door to the Sooner experience. SoonerSports.com also provides an integral link between OU student-athletes, their families, coaches, Oklahoma students, fans, prospective student-athletes, alumni, media, donors, corporate partners, the University and peer institutions in the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA. (SoonerSports.com)
Want more Access to SoonerSports.com? It's All-Access: The value of the premium portion of Oklahoma's web site, SoonerSports.com, just got a lot better. Thanks to the new agreement with CSTV, subscribers to Oklahoma All-Access (formerly the O-Zone) will now receive OU's radio broadcasts at no extra charge. Under its previous agreement, OU fans were able to subscribe to the premium content, but that subscription did not include the radio broadcasts due to Sooner Sports Properties' agreement with Yahoo! sports. Fans were forced to purchase a separate $4.95/month subscription from Yahoo! in order to receive the radio broadcasts online. SSP's contract with Yahoo! expired this spring to coincide with its new contract with CSTV. CSTV provides an audio component as part of its offering so now Sooner fans can make just one stop to receive premium content. Best of all, the improved menu will come at no extra cost. Just as before, the monthly subscription fee is still just $9.95 per month, while the annual fee remains a reasonable $99.95. (SoonerSports.com) The Collected Wisdom of J.C. Watts: The Oklahoman
Bob Stoops signed through 2013; In addition 50k Annual Raise: Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione and five of the Sooners' head coaches -- including football coach Bob Stoops and basketball coaches Sherri Coale and Jeff Capel -- had raises approved Wednesday by the university's Board of Regents. Stoops, already one of the nation's highest-paid coaches, received a $50,000 annual raise, increasing his guaranteed annual income to $2.55 million, and had his contract extended by two years to December 2013. Stoops, who guided the Sooners to the Big 12 Conference title last season, is eligible to receive a "stay bonus" of $3 million following the 2008 season if he remains at Oklahoma. His contract also is laden with incentives, including $150,000 if Oklahoma wins the national title. Oklahoma also increased the annual guaranteed money received by Brent Venables, Stoops' defensive coordinator, by $50,000 to $315,000. (AP/ESPN.com)
As I continue to follow the Bob Stoops involvement in the BurnLounge pyramid scheme.. GNEXTINC.com is the ONLY Oklahoma Sooners website to report involvement, as of 1:40 am Tuesday.
As now Stoops responds to involvement of BurnLounge: University of Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops confirmed Monday he invested in an online digital music business that federal regulators now allege is an illegal pyramid scheme. "Even though this investment was less than $500, like all others I make, it was reviewed by a trusted and experienced group of legal and financial advisers," Stoops said Monday in a statement released by OU. "I have been and remain comfortable with the direction they have provided for many years." Kenny Mossman, OU associate athletics director, said Stoops did not say how much money he made off the investment or whether he recruited other coaches or players to participate. Stoops declined to comment on Spurrier's remarks (in Sunday's South Carolina The State newspaper), referring questions to Mossman. BurnLounge was not promoted on OU Web sites, Stoops and Mossman said. (More at NewsOK.com) It would be interesting to know, the time line in which Stoops recommended BurnLounge to Spurrier, Jr. (the only confirmed individual recruited by Stoops) in reference to BurnLounge's June 2006 questionable business practices being raised.. Also, any other coaches and athletes he may of enrolled in the BurnLounge program.
More on BurnLounge Scheme, Former OSU Coach Miles involved: University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and former Oklahoma State coach Les Miles are among those involved in a illegal pyramid scheme. Stoops is joined by a host of other celebs and athletes, including Shaquille O'Neil, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Carson Daly, former UT Coach Fred Akers are among those highlighted on the company's website. The scheme centers around BurnLounge, a October 2005 start-up digital media company based on a multi-level marketing system, according to the company's press kit. The company describes each membership sold and site as, "essentially a digital store franchise.... Regardless of operator, each store has the same look and feel, and all carry the BurnLounge brand." Federal Trade Commission alleged BurnLounge in a June 6 complaint filed, "...has a compensation program based primarily on providing payments to participants for the recruitment of new participants, not on the retail sale of products or services, thereby resulting in a substantial percentage of participants losing money," the complaint states. Though the company describes its, "initial challenge is to convince users it is not a pyramid scheme. No investment is required for inventory, a typical feature of such pyramid programs. But there are costs involved-from $30 per year to a $215 up front setup fee and $15 per month - all for access to various levels of music and team management software," according to its press kit.. As The State reported, Stoops introduced the program to Steve Spurrier, Jr. in 2006. And, who knows who else? Point being, who better to push your program (some may say, 'scheme'), than big time athletes and in Stoops' case, one of the most successful college football coaches? The stars that participate as VIP retailers and that are top-tier, cash in thousands monthly by enrolling others.. Others that particate in the program say, "its way hard to make money off of downloads at only 2 cents per download - youd have to sell over 500 songs a month just to make back your monthly fees," said BlueFishTShirts.com.. Others have been questioning the company's business practices since June 2006. Burnlounge: Behind the Music and BurnLounge Sells Digital Music Snakeoil..
FTC investigates a company Stoops' allegedly invested in and recruited others in: Before making enemies with the Federal Trade Commission, Rob DeBoer tried to make as many friends as he could. The ex-USC running back now living in Irmo claimed in training videos to have a hand in recruiting 30,000 people to BurnLounge, an online music retailer sued by the FTC this month accused of being a pyramid scheme. DeBoer, who was sued for allegedly misrepresenting earnings from BurnLounge, promoted the New York-based company with ex-USC quarterback and Gamecock football announcer Todd Ellis -- helping turn Columbia into ground zero for BurnLounge. They hosted events in Columbia nightspots and living rooms to market BurnLounge franchises -- customizable Web pages that rewarded buyers with free music or cash for selling songs or additional franchises priced between $30 and $430. Besides ex-athletes, several coaches tried to make extra money in BurnLounge. Gamecocks receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr. invested in BurnLounge a year ago after Oklahoma coach Stoops introduced him to the concept. "When Bob Stoops got me, he said, 'I've spoken to a lawyer about this. I've spoken to my agent. I've spoken to some people to find out if this is a legitimate thing. And everything they told me, this is a legitimate (business). Put your name on it and go do it,'" said Spurrier Jr., a member of Stoops' Sooners staff from 1999 to 2001. An Oklahoma spokesman said last week that Stoops was on vacation and unavailable for comment. (In part and much more at The State)
Secondary self-reported violations expected: As Big 12 Conference senior associate commissioner / chief operating officer Dan Beebe said in a statement Wednesday: "NCAA and Big 12 Conference rules require that member institutions self-report violations of NCAA legislation. It is common and expected that institutional athletics compliance programs that are functioning effectively will discover secondary violations from time to time." [Kenny] Mossman said "the NCAA is concerned if you don't have a number of secondary violations to report. They know the complexity of the rulebook, and they know that member institutions are going to misstep. (Secondary violations) are not a phenomenon unique to OU." (Tulsa World)
Oklahoma Statement on the NCAA Secondary Infraction and Supplement Error: From University of Oklahoma athletic department press release..
* The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department's compliance staff, as part of routine checks, recently uncovered NCAA rules infractions that were self-reported by the University and deemed to be secondary violations by the NCAA.
* The most recent self-report from OU to the NCAA included the distribution of ready-to-drink health supplements Cytomax and Endurox R4.
* CytoSport, the maker of Cytomax, acknowledged its error in a formal letter and subsequently sent the correct product.
* Products were returned in shipment April 17, 2007.
* Both are permissible substances for NCAA student-athletes to ingest, although it is impermissible for NCAA members to provide the products to student-athletes.
University of Oklahoma reports violations, distributing banned supplements: Football players at Oklahoma were given two nutritional supplements banned by the NCAA before the school's compliance department detected the error and stopped the practice. According to documents obtained Tuesday through an open records request by The Associated Press, Oklahoma self-reported to the Big 12 Conference that it committed a secondary violation of NCAA bylaws last fall by providing "two nutritional supplements that contained impermissible substances." Oklahoma blamed one violation on a nutritional company inadvertently shipping a banned substance it identified as "an identical product bearing the same name" as a legal product that had been ordered by the university. In the second instance, Oklahoma reported the football program's strength and conditioning staff failed to review the ingredients of a new nutritional supplement. Both supplements were given to athletes before the mistakes were detected during a routine check by compliance staff. The remainder of the supplements were returned to the company that provided them. (AP/ESPN.com)
OU also reports improper contact: Oklahoma also reported that it committed a secondary violation when co-offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin called a football prospect the same week coach Bob Stoops had telephoned him and another when three prospects were shown lockers with jerseys featuring the numbers they wore in high school. (AP/ESPN.com)
Sooners land two more Texas recruits: Bob Stoops and Oklahoma just keep getting commitments out of Texas. The Sooners landed two more recruits from the state -- both from the Dallas/Fort Worth area - getting oral commitments from Garland defensive tackle Casey Walker (6-2, 290) and South Garland safety Joseph Ibiloye (6-3, 195). Oral commitments are nonbinding. The first day a recruit in the class of 2008 can sign a national letter of intent is Feb. 6. Walker chose the Sooners over Wisconsin, Boise State, Colorado and Ole Miss. Ibiloye went with the Sooners over Miami, Fla., Southern Cal and Texas A&M. (Dallas Morning News)
Reggie Smith on Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list: Oklahoma cornerback Reggie Smith has been named to watch list for the 2007 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded annually to the best defensive player in college football by the Football Writers Association of America. Smith is one of 49 players on the initial list. A junior, Smith was a first-team All-Big 12 selection by the Associated Press and a second-team pick by league coaches. (NewsOK.com)
Neb. recruit making unofficial visit to Norman: Millard North coach Fred Petito by now is used to the way visiting college football coaches look at [LB] Sean Fisher. They want to know if he's really 6-foot-5. They could be more obvious only if they pulled out a measuring tape. "They all want to take a good look at him," Petito said. "I knew with Oklahoma for sure they had to come up to see if he was that big. That's all they needed to do."Brent Venables, the Sooners' defensive coordinator and associate head coach, recently joined the parade through Millard North to see Fisher. Satisfied that the Mustangs' safety indeed was 6-5 and a solid 210 pounds, OU made a scholarship offer to Fisher before leaving. "I was talking with Venables and he point-blank said, 'We need to come out. Kids today tack an inch or two on to look good on paper. We need to come up and verify.' Obviously, I don't have a problem with it. I am 6-5, so it doesn't bother me." Fisher is making a swing through Norman and Fayetteville next weekend to unofficially visit OU and Arkansas. To get a better feel for the staffs at Nebraska and Iowa State, he might spend a day at those schools' camps later in June. (In part and more at Omaha World Herald)
Sooner Caravan in Tulsa Tonight: The 2007 Sooner Caravan hosts its third stop of the year on Wednesday, June 6, in Tulsa. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Schusterman Center at OU-Tulsa (4502 E. 41st ). OU coaches, including head football coach Bob Stoops, head women's basketball coach Sherri Coale and head men's basketball coach Jeff Capel, will participate in an autograph session as well as address the group on their respective programs. Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione and Oklahoma student-athletes will also address the Sooner fans in attendance. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in a live auction featuring OU signed memorabilia. The Caravan is designed as a thank you to loyal Sooner fans like you! Please call the Sooner Club toll-free at (866) Sooner Club (866-766-6372) for reservations and more information. (SoonerSports PR)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Reminder Student Season Tickets on Sale Today: As previous posted, OU student season tickets for 2007 football will be on sale beginning Tuesday, May 1 and continue through Sunday, May 13. The tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Season tickets can be purchased online at SoonerSports.com or in person at the OU Athletics Ticket Office. (SoonerSports PR) Lots to catch up on from college football's busy spring: CBS Sportsline
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson reinjured shoulder not confirmed: The Oklahoman reports.. A source close to NFL personnel told The Oklahoman that he had not heard of a re-injury, but did acknowledge that there were issues concerning X-rays of Peterson's collarbone. (NewsOK.com) Follow-up from the prevously reported Report: Peterson's Re-Injured Shoulder, Could Be Out For NFL Off-Season.
University of Oklahoma football student season tickets on sale Tuesday: OU student season tickets for 2007 football will be on sale beginning Tuesday, May 1 and continue through Sunday, May 13. The tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Season tickets can be purchased online at SoonerSports.com or in person at the OU Athletics Ticket Office. Student season tickets are $145 and will be charged to the student's bursar account. Tickets will be sold online at SoonerSports.com 24 hours a day during the sale beginning at 8 a.m. on May 1 and lasting through midnight on May 13 while supplies last. A $5 non-refundable fee will be associated with utilizing this service. Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting the OU Athletics Ticket Office, located on the South Plaza Level of Asp Avenue Parking Garage. Walk-up windows sales begin at 10 a.m. on May 1 and will continue every business day through May 13 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (SoonerSportss PR)
OU meets with NCAA Committee: During a break Saturday morning, Brian Halloran wandered over to a small group of reporters and asked for the inside scoop: Who would win Oklahoma's quarterback battle? Halloran, a member of the NCAA's Committee on Infractions, politely declined to return the favor and answer reporters' questions. But the brief exchange might be of some encouragement to OU officials, who met with the infractions committee for more than four hours behind closed doors. Afterward, OU president David Boren said the school received "a fair chance” to answer charges of major rules violations involving football players' employment at Big Red Sports and Imports. And Halloran's question might lend credence to Boren's contention that the infractions committee appreciated the impact of OU's quick action when it discovered three players were paid for work they did not perform. Rhett Bomar's dismissal last summer led to the current quarterback quandary. "I think they have a good understanding of the harshness of the penalties,” Boren said. OU's official party, which numbered about a dozen, included coach Bob Stoops, athletic director Joe Castiglione and director of football operations Merv Johnson. (In part and more at NewsOK.com) Washington Keynote speaker: Joe Washington says he always welcomes any chance to get back to Oklahoma. But this one will be extra special. Washington, the former University of Oklahoma running back and College Football Hall of Famer, is the keynote speaker at Friday's annual Awards and Scholarship Gala of the 100 Black Men of Tulsa. The banquet starts at 7 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown. (Tulsa World) Peterson thinks the Brown will draft him: Adrian Peterson on where he thinks he'll be drafted: "My gut feeling? Cleveland at three. Sitting down with them [coach Romeo Crennel, GM Phil Savage], I get the feeling they're very, very interested. I would love it there. The fans in Cleveland are the closest to college fans in the NFL. I love the Dawg Pound. I think I can be a franchise back and really help the Browns turn it around.'' (SI.com)
Stoops' salary 36 times that of a professor at Oklahoma: Salaries of full-time college faculty rose 3.8 percent this year, the biggest increase in five years. Academic salaries vary significantly, depending on rank and institution, but the overall increases narrowly beat inflation and were the highest since 2002, according to an annual survey to be released today by the American Association of University Professors. Salaries of full professors rose 4.2 percent, slightly better than the increases for lower ranks. While salaries for full professors at NCAA Division I-A schools ranged from $63,030 at Marshall University to $136,374 at Duke, the compensation of head football coaches averaged more than $900,000. At the University of Oklahoma, the estimated $3.5 million in compensation for head football coach Bob Stoops -- the highest of any college football coach -- was 36 times that of the average full professor at Oklahoma. (More at AP/Detroit News) In November 2006, USA Today took a deeper look at college football head coaches compensation.
University of Oklahoma disputes NCAA allegations: The Associated Press reports.. Oklahoma "strongly disagrees" with the NCAA's allegation that the university failed to adequately monitor the employment of dismissed starting quarterback Rhett Bomar and other athletes at a Norman car dealership, according to documents released by the university Friday. "We ... assert that the University met, if not exceeded, industry standards regarding our student-athlete employment monitoring," university president David Boren said in a letter dated March 7, which was obtained by The Associated Press through an open records request. "There were no other reasonable additional steps we could have taken that would have prevented these violations or detected them any sooner," Boren said in the letter. The NCAA has claimed that Oklahoma violated its own guidelines by failing to collect earnings statements from 12 football players who worked at the dealership, and as a result did not detect NCAA rules violations. (AP/ESPN.com)
Stoops to kickoff Fourth Annual OU Ahletics Department Blood Drive: If It's spring, it must be time for the Fourth Annual OU Athletics Department American Red Cross Blood Drive. The drive, sponsored by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, will be held April 2-3 from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Locations will be the North End of the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Lobby, and a bus parked near the University bookstore. OU Football Coach Bob Stoops is scheduled to be the kickoff donor. Each donor will receive a commemorative centennial t-shirt, the opportunity to win autographed OU memorabilia including a signed OU visor and official OU apparel. In addition, each donor will also receive a coupon for 20% off any apparel item from the University Bookstore and a coupon for $5 off from Louie's. "Our student-athletes are looking forward to working for this worthy cause," said Annette Moran, Academic Advisor and Blood Drive Coordinator. (SoonerSports PR) To donate blood, you need to be 17 years of age, weigh 110 pounds and be in good health. The Red Cross reminds donors to bring a picture ID when coming to give blood.
Sooners snag NM prep quarterback: And the quarterback, Landry Jones of Artesia (N.M.), wasted little time making his collegiate aspirations clear. "I want to go into Oklahoma and win the starting job," said Jones, rated the No. 36 overall prospect by ESPN.com. "They have a lot of good, young quarterbacks there. If I'm going to get the starting job, it's not going to be granted to me. But I'm going to work hard." (NewsOK.com)
Reminder OU Scrimmage tomorrow morning: Sooner fans have the opportunity to watch the 2007 football team in action this weekend. Saturday's scrimmage will take place at 11 a.m., in Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The event is open to the public and no admission will be charged. (Sooner Sports PR)
Regents approve OU video board and scoreboord: The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents gave the official OK to for OU to purchase its new video displays and scoreboards, but the school isn't stopping its game-day improvements at equipment. Plans presented by OU President David Boren and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione for scoreboard and message board upgrades were approved by the Board of Regents during their meeting Thursday in Oklahoma City. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Cotton Bowl to move to new Cowboys Stadium: Hoping to get the Cotton Bowl back on college football's national stage, the board that oversees the game voted Tuesday to move it to the new Dallas Cowboys stadium starting in 2010. "This is one of the most important decisions in the 71-year history of the AT&T Cotton Bowl," Cotton Bowl Athletic Association Chairman Bruce Gadd said in a statement. "Moving the Classic preserves the Classic's legacy and, at the same time, secures its future as one of college football's best postseason bowl games." The move was approved by voice vote during a regular meeting of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association board of directors. The first game at the new venue in Arlington, between Dallas and Fort Worth, will be on New Year's Day, 2010. Plans for the $1 billion stadium, scheduled to open in 2009, include a retractable roof that would cover a hole similar to the one at Texas Stadium in Irving. A domed stadium is important to bowl game officials because of Dallas' sometimes cold January weather. (Dallas Morning News) This can't be good for the future of the Red River Shootout at the current Cotton Bowl stadium. As the Cotton Bowl has commitments from both Oklahoma and Texas through 2010, only if City of Dallas continues improvements with bond money already approved. In the past, Dallas officials have said they will only continue improvements with long-term commitments. Taylor: Dallas dropped the ball: WFAA
The future of the Cotton Bowl in hands of other teams if OU/UT don't reach long term commitment: North Texas' baddest football battle is over two stadiums, not in them: an aging Dallas landmark vs. Arlington's sparkling, billion-dollar sports palace now under construction. And for the Cotton Bowl, it may be a fight for survival. Most Dallas City Council members back overhauling Fair Park's 76-year-old Cotton Bowl. The facility, they say, can remain a viable venue for major college football games. And they aren't interested in terminating $50 million in mostly taxpayer-funded renovations to the stadium – even if its namesake contest, the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, soon bolts to the Dallas Cowboys' retractable-dome stadium two cities westward. On one hand, council members could wait to fund renovations until securing long-term contracts with current college football teams plus prospective tenants, such as Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, the University of Notre Dame and Louisiana State University. But if they wait too long, they risk renovation delays. On the other, officials could forge ahead, funding renovations as soon as May even without long-term commitments. Not all council members, however, share their philosophy. "The Cotton Bowl is a dinosaur. Yes, it's an institution, but even though it is an institution, I want to see if we're throwing money out the window," said Mitchell Rasansky, chairman of the council's Finance, Audit and Accountability Committee. "Unless we have some long-term commitments soon, I think it is money thrown away. That's only good business to expect that. We, as elected officials, have to be taxpayers' guardians." Meanwhile, negotiations to lure new college football games to the Cotton Bowl have, at best, been slow, although talks with several major college programs and the Big 12 continue, Mr. McKoy said, adding that he's aiming to score commitments for at least one game, to be played during the State Fair of Texas, within the next 45 days. [Dallas Mayor] Ms. Miller says she's optimistic it'll happen. "It's absolutely worth significant upgrades to the facility to get four weeks of college football," the mayor said. "But they've been talking to the same teams for a year now. It's baffling to me why we can't get it done." (In parts and much more at Dallas Morning News) In the past, much of the slow commitments have been on Texas' part. On May 5, 2006 both Texas and Oklahoma agreed to an additional two years running through 2010.
Sooners help build a home together: Sleepy college students filed into a lone bus in the early-morning darkness of the Lloyd Noble Center parking lot Sunday. Destination: Lawton and a new home for a Sooner family. Volunteers from the Oklahoma football and women's basketball teams accompanied by members of the spirit squads and OU Athletics Department staff headed to Comanche County to lend support to a Sooner family selected for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The television show features local volunteers working together to build new homes for deserving families. In April of 2004, Army sergeant and long-time OU fan Gene Westbrook was hit by a mortar at an American camp mess hall in Baghdad, Iraq. The attack left Westbrook paralyzed. When the program announced its intentions to assist the family, the OU Athletics Department organized volunteers from its own ranks to join the effort. Senior defensive end Alonzo Dotson (Alief, Texas), senior safety Darien Williams (Mesquite, Texas), junior linebacker Curtis Lofton (Kingfisher), sophomore receiver Carter Whitson (Shawnee), redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Bradford (Oklahoma City) and redshirt freshman defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma City) represented the Sooner football team. Sophomores Ashley and Courtney Paris (Piedmont, Calif.), fresh off a road victory at Texas Tech, joined from the women's basketball team. The new home is schedule to be unveiled to the Westbrook family on Thursday. The episode will air on ABC on Sunday, April 8, at 7 p.m. (More at SoonerSports.com)
Hardison the third unnamed player? A University of Oklahoma walk-on football player who never saw game action earned about twice as much from a Norman, Okla., auto dealership as Rhett Bomar over roughly the same period in 2005, records show. Jermaine Hardison, a wide receiver from Midwest City, Okla., was paid for an average of 43 hours a week from late February through mid-May 2005, while school was in session and spring practice was held, the records show. His pay from Big Red Sports/Imports averaged $459 a week over that 12-week period. NCAA documents released Monday, however, allege that a third player also took money "for work not performed." The player's name is blacked out. Hardison earned a total of $9,926 through mid-July 2005 and Bomar earned $5,092.30 from late-March through mid-August, according to pay stubs, which were among hundreds of pages of materials obtained by The News through several open records requests since last August. Hardison didn't respond to multiple messages left for him by The News since mid-September or to written questions sent to him via a delivery service. (Dallas Morning News)
From previous blog post, August 11, 2006... 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.
Lawsuit pending: Citing student privacy regulations, OU officials blacked out the names of all players identified in hundreds of pages of investigation documents that it released to The News. It also blacked out some information pertaining to the players. But Hardison's name can be deciphered, along with the names of 14 other OU players, through close examination of some documents. The names include eight players on the 2006 roster. Seeking the redacted information, The News filed suit against the university in September. The case is pending in federal court. (Dallas Morning News)
NCAA Releases final report on Bomar/Quinn: As anticipated, the University of Oklahoma has received its notice of allegations from the NCAA related to the employment of student-athletes at a Norman automobile dealership and has announced its self-imposed penalties. According to OU officials, after several months of additional review and investigation by the University and the NCAA the content of the notice revealed nothing new from the University's original report with respect to the focus of the investigation. "The notice is part of the process we anticipated and is based on information contained in the report we submitted to the NCAA on August 21, 2006," said OU Athletics Director Joe Castiglione. "The University diligently investigated this matter and has worked closely with the NCAA throughout this process so there are no surprises." The first allegation was reported by the University based on facts developed by its athletics compliance staff. The lone additional allegation included in the notice by the NCAA is that the institution failed to adequately monitor the specific employment of some student athletes during a limited period of time, a more limited allegation than "failure to monitor." "Upon completing our investigation, the University took action above and beyond what was required under the NCAA rules. The University permanently banned the involved parties from further athletics participation at the school. "Upon review, the NCAA reinstated the eligibility of the involved students. However, we maintained our original action of permanent dismissal of the involved parties. " More at SoonerSports.com
A third player took benefits, NCAA meeting set for April 14: Three Oklahoma football players, one more than the university has previously acknowledged, may have accepted money for work they did not perform at a local car dealership, according to an NCAA document disclosed Monday. School officials, including football coach Bob Stoops, will go before the NCAA committee on infractions on April 14 and argue their self-imposed penalties announced Monday are sufficient. OU spokesman Kenny Mossman said Monday night that the NCAA is alleging three players took money they didn't earn. But the university maintains that only two players, Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn, took excess pay from Big Red Sports/Imports in Norman. The NCAA, in its notice of allegations, says Oklahoma failed to monitor the working relationship of its players and Big Red, particularly with booster Brad McRae, who used to run the car dealership. (Dallas Morning News)
One Less Recruiting Coach: OU will also reduce the number of football coaches who can recruit off campus by one this fall. (Dallas Morning News)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Stoops issues statement, ends any coaching speculation: Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops issued a statement today in response to questions he has received pertaining to other coaching vacancies. "To end speculation here in the heart of recruiting I want to make it clear that I am not interested in any other coaching positions at this time. I am too excited about our future at Oklahoma and the program we're continuing to build." Stoops just completed his eighth season. He owns an overall mark of 86-19 and four Big 12 Championships, including the 2006 league crown. (SoonerSports PR)
Coach Stoops meets with the Media Tuesday morning: OU head coach Bob Stoops met with the media one final time at the team hotel Tuesday morning before the Sooners departed for Oklahoma City. Boise State defeated the Sooners, 43-42, in overtime in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1 in Glendale. Poolside at the team headquarters at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, Stoops discussed the events of the game, the upcoming decision for running back Adrian Peterson, and the future for the Oklahoma football program. (More at SoonerSports.com)
Stoops' failed challenge: OU coach Bob Stoops tried to stop the Broncos' early momentum by challenging the spot after Derek Schouman's 6-yard catch on third-and-5. Schouman bobbled the ball initially before securing the catch, and officials ruled that his forward progress was enough for a first down. Stoops lost his only coach's challenge with 9:25 remaining in the first. The replay officials' decision was huge. On the next play, James caught a 49-yard touchdown. (Dallas Morning News)
Eyes on Peterson: There were two interested parties watching running back Adrian Peterson's every move in pregame warmups Monday night. One was Peterson's father, Nelson, who stood in the stands wearing a white T-shirt with a picture of his then-7-year-old son on the front, wearing a powder blue No. 32 jersey as he posed for a youth football shot. The words "Beginning Of" and "All Day" framed the picture. Down on the field as Peterson loosened up and ran through receiving drills, Cleveland Browns scout Kevin Kelly stood about 25 feet away, scribbling in an orange notebook. (Tulsa World)
More on Malcolm Kelly Injury status: Malcolm Kelly, the Sooners' leading receiver coming in, went without a catch for the first time in 22 games, dating back to OU's loss to Texas on Oct. 8, 2005. The reason, according to reports by OU's radio network and Fox Sports, was a concussion sustained in the first quarter. Kelly took a hard fall going for a deep post in the end zone between Boise State defensive backs Marty Tadman and Orlando Scandrick late in the first quarter. He stayed in the game another seven plays before giving way to Quentin Chaney the last three quarters. (Tulsa World)
Practice scare closes the roof? The decision was made when a pregame parachute drop was canceled. The drop was canceled after an accident occurred during practices last week at Arizona State's Sun Devil Stadium. One of the parachutists landed in the stands. The decision was made because of the tighter confines of the roof at University of Phoenix Stadium. "For safety reasons, we decided not to do it,” Fiesta Bowl vice president Shawn Schoeffler said. (NewsOK.com)
Smoky Start: Officials shot off fireworks during pregame introductions, and the smoke filled the stadium during the first half. The retractable roof remained closed, however, and players had to fight through it. OU's Marcus Walker dropped a possible interception in the second quarter after losing track of the ball in the air. (Dallas Morning News) Just think if Al Michaels were there, the rant we could of heard fireworks are just "stupid!"
Boise State pulls of a thrilling win in OT 43-42: Boise State pulled more rabbits out of its underdog helmet than Houdini on Monday. The old hook-and-ladder. A touchdown pass from a wide receiver. And don't forget the Broncos' version of the Statue of Liberty play. It all added up to an improbable 43-42 overtime victory against Oklahoma in one of the wildest finishes in the 36-year history of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The boys from Boise, champs of the Western Athletic Conference, their presence in this game questioned because of their schedule, turned into BCS-busting men, but only after blowing a 28-10 lead built in the first 3½ quarters of their first Bowl Championship Series game.That lead turned into a 35-28 deficit when the No. 8 Sooners (11-3) roared back, taking command with 25 unanswered points -- 15 in the final 1:26 of regulation. But the No. 9 Broncos answered with a miracle of their own -- three, in fact -- to cap a 13-0 season. (USA Today - Stats)
Nine Senior Sooners Graduate: As the OU football team continues its preparations for the 2007 Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1 against Boise State, nine seniors concluded their undergraduate work on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the University of Oklahoma's graduation ceremony. Seniors C.J. Ah You, Rufus Alexander, Larry Birdine, John Dailey, Zach Latimer, Chris Messner, Carl Pendleton, Calvin Thibodeaux and Paul Thompson all participated in the commencement ceremony at the Lloyd Noble Center. The nine individuals make up a group of 11 seniors, the smallest in the Bob Stoops' era. (SoonerSports.com)
University of Oklahoma releases investigation documents: The University of Oklahoma asked an attorney for a Norman car dealership to provide a list of players who used vehicles from the dealership during an investigation that resulted in the dismissal of two players from the school's football team. The university released two pages of documents Friday after an open records request by The Associated Press. The documents are a letter from the university's legal counsel, Joseph Harroz Jr., to Jeff Atkins, an attorney for David Hudiburg, the current owner of Big Red Sports and Imports, and an attachment to that letter. In the letter, dated Sept. 5, Harroz asks Atkins to require two employees be made available to interview with university officials. It said that OU had no reason to believe the employees were involved in any NCAA violations but that their testimony was needed "to clarify and confirm our current understanding of the relevant facts of the matter.” Among the documents requested in the attachment to the letter are the dealership's service records for an unknown number of people; tax forms, paycheck stubs and-or timesheets from 2005 and-or 2006 for 10 student-athletes; and "names of football student-athletes who have made purchases from Big Red, driven Big Red vehicles and-or had their vehicles serviced by Big Red.” The names on the list of requested documents were redacted. (More at AP/NewsOK.com)
USA Today Report: University of Oklahoma's Bob Stoops highest paid College Coach: The sport's dizzying salaries spiral has come to this, a USA TODAY study finds: The million-dollar coach, once a rarity, is now the norm. Head coaches at the NCAA's top-level schools are making an average of $950,000 this year, not counting benefits, incentives, subsidized housing or any of the perks they routinely receive. At least 42 of the 119 Division I-A coaches are earning $1 million or more this year, up from five in 1999. Jim Tressel, coach of No. 1-ranked Ohio State, and Mack Brown, who steered Texas to the national championship a year ago, are among the nine coaches making more than $2 million. Iowa's Kirk Ferentz will pocket a guaranteed $4.6 million in an atypical 13-month period ending next June, including $1.8 million in one-time payments. With the incentive bonuses he still can earn, he could push his take to more than $4.7 million. That's the most among the 107 coaches for whom USA TODAY could obtain a contract or other official document showing compensation. Oklahoma's Bob Stoops is the only coach in that group who has cleared the $3 million-a-year bar in guaranteed pay, although Ferentz likely will join him in 2007. Coaches' contracts these days offer far more than just the basic salary. In scrutinizing contracts, USA TODAY found all kinds of perks: personal use of private jets, low-interest home loans, land deals, million-dollar annuities, pricey luxury suites at schools' stadiums, use of vacation homes and family travel accounts. (More at USA Today)
Perks Noted from USA Today: Travel: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops gets up to 35 hours a year of private plane availability. Ohio State's Tressel gets 10 hours of jet time for personal use. Virginia's Al Groh gets "reasonable use of the University's aircraft and vehicles" for his duties.
Anniversary Benefit: Oklahoma contributes an average of $750,000 a year toward an "anniversary benefit" paying Bob Stoops $3 million on Dec. 31, 2008, marking his 10th anniversary at the school. He forfeits the money if he leaves for another coaching job before then, though he'll get a prorated portion if he leaves in 2007 or 2008 in conjunction with David Boren's departure as president. Stoops also gets 35 hours of private air travel a year.
Highest Paid Salaries 1. Kirk Ferentz - 2,840,000 2. Pete Carroll - 2,782,320 3. Frank Beamer - 1,893,000 4. Larry Coker - 1,800,000 13. Bob Stoops 950,000
Other Income 1. Bob Stoops - 2,500,000 2. Tommy Tuberville - 1,996,000 3. Phillip Fulmer - 1,725,000 4. Mack Brown - 1,580,000
Maximum Bonus 1. Dirk Koetter - 1,234,000 2. Kirk Ferentz -1,000,000 3. Al Groh - 940,000 7. Bob Stoops - 745,000 11. Mike Gundy - 684,000
Total 1. Bob Stoops - 3,450,000 2. Kirk Ferentz - 2,840,000 3. Pete Carroll - 2,782,000 4. Mack Brown - 2,664,000
Peterson Doak Walker Semifinalist: Adrian Peterson has been gone for three weeks, but the Oklahoma running back is not forgotten. He was one of 10 semi-finalists announced today for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented annually to college football's top running back. The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors oversees the honor. The 166 members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes over the next week to determine the 2006 finalists. On Tuesday, Nov. 21, three finalists will be named, and a second vote will determine the recipient. The recipient of the 2006 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on ESPN's The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 7. The award will be presented at the 2006 Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet in Dallas on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007. (SoonerSports PR)
Pendleton named All-District VI Academic: Oklahoma defensive tackle Carl Pendleton has been named All-District VI Academic and is now a candidate for Academic All-America honors. ESPN The Magazine sponsors the academic recognition. Pendleton, Sapulpa, Okla., native is a junior in eligibility but has announced that he will forgo his senior season of football to enter graduate school at OU. He already has received the National Football Foundation's Post-Graduate Scholarship. Pendleton carries a 3.86 grade point average in sociology with a minor in religious studies. He is nominated for numerous other awards including the NCAA's Today's Top VIII, FCA's Bobby Bowden Award, the FWAA's Courage Award, the Wuerffel Trophy and the John Wooden Citizenship Cup, presented by Athletes for a Better World. (SoonerSports PR)
O'Connell's future still uncertain: The pub isn't going anywhere -- at least through next October. Earlier this fall, the University of Oklahoma completed a purchase of the property southeast of Memorial Stadium. The land currently houses a Subway, a convenience store and a Thai restaurant. And O'Connell's, arguably the oldest and most tradition-rich bar in Norman. "What happens after (October) or maybe before that, there's no telling," said manager Jeff Stewart. "We really haven't gotten into any of those discussions yet, so it's just all rumor and hearsay." One of the rumors had O'Connell's moving to Campus Corner next year. While Stewart wouldn't necessarily mind the proposition, he said at this point, there's no way of knowing for sure. "Until we hear from the university, there's just no telling," said Stewart. "I've got a friend who's got a house that he rents. The university bought the house and said, 'We'll give you 30 days notice to leave.' That was two-and-a-half years ago." Stewart said O'Connell's ownership has tried to contact Oklahoma in hopes of "getting on the same page" regarding the pub's future location. But the two groups haven't established any sort of meeting. That means patrons might have to wait months before learning the fate of their favorite game day stop. (More at NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Food Drive Donations Up: Donations to the Holiday Food Drive held Saturday night at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium totaled $17,600. That's an increase of $7,300 over last year. The drive, which is in its seventh year, is sponored by Josh Heupel's 14 Foundation, the Regional Food Bank and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Fans contributed while entering the stadium for Saturday night's OU-Texas Tech game. Food purchased with the cash contributions will benefit some 500 families in seven different Oklahoma communities. The OU football team will assist in that distribution process this week. (SoonerSports PR)
Kelly happy with win: Malcolm Kelly on win against Texas A&M despite one catch: "You play receiver because you want to catch the ball," said Kelly, who a week ago became the fastest Sooner to reach 1,000 career receiving yards. "For me to say that any receiver doesn't get mad if they don't catch a pass, then I'm not telling the truth about that. "We did what we had to do. I'd rather come away with a win. You can catch seven or eight balls a game, but then you're 0-10. That doesn't really do that much good."(NewsOK.com)
Sooners Holiday Food Drive: The University of Oklahoma football program will again take an active role in a local holiday food drive. It is the seventh year the team has participated. The main part of that drive comes this Saturday when $1 donations will be accepted from fans prior to the OU-Texas Tech game. The project originated with Josh Heupel while he was quarterback for the Sooners in 2000. He began helping just a few families and then formed the 14 Foundation to support the project each year. The Holiday Food Drive has grown to helping hundreds of families in Norman and now includes the 14 Foundation, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Regional Food Bank and Oklahoma Public Schools. This year, the project has targeted 500 families in seven different communities across Oklahoma. Families have been chosen in Ada, Ardmore, Enid, Lawton, Norman, Moore and Stillwater. The food that is provided is enough to feed a family of four for a week, as well as provide a Thanksgiving meal. (SoonerSports.com) Sooners turn attention to Tech: SoonerSports.com What about the passing game: Norman Transcript
Cotton Bowl reps to be in attendance in College Station: AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic representatives will attend this weekend's Oklahoma-Texas A&M, Missouri-Nebraska and Oklahoma State-Texas games, bowl president Rick Baker said. "These are certainly games we watch a little closer than we would if they were in September or October," Baker said. The OU-A&M and Missouri-Nebraska games are of particular interest. The Aggies (8-1, 4-1 Big 12) and the Sooners (6-2, 3-1) have the second and third best conference records. The Tigers (7-2, 3-2) and Cornhuskers (6-3, 3-2) are tied for first place in the North division. "[Those] are certainly two games that have folks that certainly you'd expect to be on your radar screen at the end of November," Baker said. (Dallas Morning News)
Limited Oklahoma-Texas A&M tickets available: From the Texas A&M Athletics Website... As of 4 p.m. Monday, approximately 3,000 tickets still remain for Saturday night's showdown with 18th-ranked Oklahoma. Call 888-99-AGGIE to purchase.
Stoops wants to eliminate Big XII North-South format: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops rekindled an old debate Monday by saying he'd be in favor of scrapping the Big 12's divisional format and opting instead for a nine-game conference schedule. Stoops said the Big 12 would then become like the Big Ten and Pacific-10, conferences that do not have a championship game. The Big 12 athletic directors were so against the idea of eliminating the division format that they didn't even vote on a proposal at their league meetings in May. (Dallas Morning News)
Lawsuit filed against University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma is being sued by the Dallas Morning News and information advocacy group Freedom Of Information Oklahoma under claims that the school's release of documentation regarding football players' employment at a Norman car dealer had too much information blacked out. In a story published Sunday in the campus newspaper, the Oklahoma Daily, OU cites federal privacy laws that require when "information is provided under the Open Records Act, that 'identifiable student information' not be released." Toni Nguyen, assistant general counsel for Belo Corp., parent company of the Morning News, was quoted by the Oklahoma Daily in an e-mail as saying, "We need access to relevant documents in OU's possession to uncover the truth about the events leading up to the removal of Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn from the OU football team. . . . The documents that OU has publicly produced have been so substantially redacted that they're useless to us." (Tulsa World)
Kelly's late decision: OU receiver Malcolm Kelly went through a difficult time last week due to the death of his grandfather, Alphonso Smith. Kelly left Norman Thursday to be with his family in Longview, Texas, and planned to miss the Missouri game to attend the funeral. "I talked to my grandma and she told me how he was looking forward to watching me play in that game," Kelly said. Kelly was OU's leading receiver with four catches for 40 yards, but didn’t do much celebrating afterwards. (Norman Transcript)
