Open Post | Monday, July 28th (UPDATE 4:45 pm)

Image of Steven Parker via usatodayhss.com

Well despite the madness of the weekend, we we’re able to gather some non-Mixon related news. Thanks largely to JY and our newest contributor down in NOLA, who we will introduce y’all to shortly.

Madison Akamnonu: One of the top offensive tackles in the state of Texas visited Norman this past Saturday for a second time. We caught up with Akamnonu this weekend and it’s pretty clear the visit went really well. When we asked him how he liked the trip, he immediately started talking about academics. Madison is a very level-headed guy who knows what he wants in an education, a coach, and a team.

Most of our conversation had to deal with what he plans on doing after he graduates. And how even if he made it to the league and played for five years, he’d still be in his late twenties. That’s 50 more years for most people to have to earn a living and that’s important to Madison. Sam Grant was his host, who is majoring in petroleum engineering, and is also a guy who is supremely athletic and having to put on weight.

A while back Madison told us that he’d be taking a trip to Missouri following this trip to Norman. In fact, as early as this past week those plans were still in place as he told us, “after my Mizzou trip then I’ll make my decision…” But in chatting with him last night, he has told us that he no longer plans on taking the trip to Missouri. Right now Madison is very interested in OU, in part, because of where it ranks in petroleum engineering and has all but eliminated Mizzou from the running for his services.

Madison said that it’s going to come down to Texas Tech and OU. Both schools are very similarly esteemed when it comes to the reputation of petroleum engineering programs and that seems to be a key factor in driving the decision.

Madison will announce his decision on August 24th. He has not yet decided how he’ll announce though.

Cody Ford: Last Friday, our newest contributor (who again, we will introduce soon) attended the LSU camp to get a look at Cody Ford in action and talk about his interest in the Sooners. Ford seemed a little tired in the morning session. In the 1-on-1’s he seemed to struggle a bit. But he picked it up in the afternoon and looked great! In fact, Les Miles took him and a few other top prospects off to the side to work with them privately.

LSU did not extend an offer to Ford at the camp, but that doesn’t mean one isn’t coming. The coaches said they’ll be re-evaluating his film and making their decision based on the that and the camp performance. However, in talking to Ford an LSU offer might not be the game changer we expected. We caught up with Ford’s parents and they like what Coach Bedenbaugh is doing with his OLine development. Cody himself made it clear to us that with or without an LSU offer, the Sooners would still be sitting in a very good spot with him.

– Kendall Sheffield: There were reports Friday that stud 2015 CB Kendall Sheffield (Missouri City, TX) would be in Norman over the weekend for an official visit. Unfortunately, that visit did not happen. However, we’ve since spoken with Sheffield’s coach and there are plans for potential visit this coming weekend.

Steven Parker: Hearing that he really stood out in summer workouts, and it sounds like the coaches feel he may be one of the top cover guys out of all the DBs…cornerbacks included. It also sounds like he knows that he’s in a position to compete for a starting spot, because everything we’ve heard is that he’s worked incredibly hard this summer. While trying to prepare his body for the rigors of D1 football, studying film, and refining his cover technique.

Safety Competition: Related to the note above, from what we’re hearing the safety competition is most likely between Quentin Hayes, Hatari Byrd, and Steven Parker. With Hayes and Parker ability to cover, it would seem they are best suited to compete for the field safety position. Byrd and Ahmad Thomas seem better suited for the boundary safety position. Unlike Hayes however, Parker is a big guy already at 6’1″ 200+ lbs so he may be able to bring a unique diversity of skills to the position.

Fall Practice: Starts later this week and we are so ready! We’ll keep our ears to the ground and bring you everything we can.

Blind Tape Test: We’ve got a really cool next edition of the Blind Tape Test coming at y’all soon. We got a Sooner legend to take it.

– UPDATE (8:30 am): There were multiple reports over the weekend that OU 2014 signee Orlando Brown had been cleared academically, so unsurprisingly he is now showing up in the OU student database. Not really breaking news per se, but wanted to get a quick note up. Just reaffirming that after some fear he wouldn’t make it in, Brown should be good to go now.

– UPDATE (10:58 am): Jason Kersey of The Oklahoman is reporting that Norman Police are still investigating the allegations made against Joe Mixon and that according to the DA’s office, it is not likely that any charges will be filed today (Monday).

– UPDATE (1:22 pm): Norman PD has put out a press release confirming two things: Joe Mixon is “an involved party” in their investigation to the incident that took place at Pickleman’s and that there is video evidence. They did not release the video evidence.

Both items of note were things everyone pretty much already knew, but this now serves as the necessary ‘official’ confirmation. The district attorney has been quoted as saying any possible charges may not come for “a couple days”, so nothing has really changed and we’re all still basically in a holding pattern.

– UPDATE (2:18 pm): OU makes the Top 5 for 2015 DE/OLB Keisean Lucier-South

– UPDATE (3:04 pm): 2016 QB & OU offer, Shea Patterson, has decommitted from Arizona.

– UPDATE (3:40 pm): As expected, Du’Vonta Lampkin commits to Texas.

– UPDATE (4:45 pm): Joe Mixon’s attorney, Kevin Finley, has released a brief statement. It reads:

“This past Friday morning Joe Mixon found himself in a situation where he was subjected to both verbal and physical attacks from a very intoxicated and troubled young woman. As a result of these physical attacks, Joe instinctually defended himself against further harm. As promised, Joe met with investigators from the Norman Police Department this afternoon. Throughout the meeting, Joe continued to be forthcoming and cooperative with their investigation.

We are looking forward to a thorough investigation and are very much looking forward to the truth coming out. As we have always maintained, Joe has done nothing wrong.”

 

232 Comments

  • disqus_MGlT3IoZ53 says:

    On the Safety battle, do you mean Byrd seems to have the edge on the boundary side?

    • Super K says:

      Right now it seems that way but believe me it can chance. Parker can play both spots potentially and while he’s young his football IQ is high.

      • disqus_MGlT3IoZ53 says:

        A know-it-all on the other board thinks he will start (this guy actually has great inside info occasionally) Is there any real chance of that?

        • Super K says:

          Thinks Parker will start or Byrd? Because Parker, Byrd and Hayes are all going to get a legit shot (with Hayes all but penciled in). It’s too early for anyone to tell. Byrd ended spring as the starter. But OU is high on Parker. Parker could play the nickel spot obviously (if Julian were to win the CB spot) but I know that during recruiting Parker was intent on playing safety not nickel.

          • disqus_MGlT3IoZ53 says:

            Sorry I meant Parker. I am sorry but I just am not sold on Hayes. He has the experience factor, but I am just not high on him as a football player. He does everything ok, he is a decent cover guy but an very average tackler. Am I being too critical?

          • Super K says:

            He’s struggled at times that’s for sure and there has been talk of maybe trying Hayes at the nickel. And yes no one should be surprised if Parker wins. OU recruiting him that hard to come in and play. So he will certainly get his chance.

          • Ronald Keith says:

            he seems to be out of position a lot, having to catch up to someone who has already turned upfield. i know coach mike screams at him a lot on the field. really want to see what byrd ,thomas and parker can do

          • FeedtheMonster says:

            I think Hayes will be a lot better this year. He has last season’s playing experience under his belt and that is invaluable. I think we have really good options all over the defensive backfield. His ceiling is not as high as the other guys, but he’s got the experience on them.

          • ToatsMcGoats says:

            That tackling problem was all over the secondary last season. From Sanchez’s problems against the Bama WR’s, to Hayes not being able to make some key tackles and Lynn’s shoulder drops, I saw more than I wanted to see. I just hope they really pushed tackling technique on them in the off season. I don’t know if I can handle watching that again.

          • thebigdroot says:

            disqus_MGlT3IoZ53 Super K • 3 hours ago
            “Sorry I meant Parker. I am sorry but I just am not sold on Hayes. He has the experience factor, but I am just not high on him as a football player. He does everything ok, he is a decent cover guy but an very average tackler. Am I being too critical?”
            I’ve rewatched the Sugar Bowl and thought both Hayes and Lynn played scared most of the night.

  • Doobie74OU says:

    Thank you for some FOOTBALL news! It makes Monday start off great after what you so correctly called “the madness of the weekend”

  • Indy_sooner says:

    Good news on the Madison & Ford news although I hate seeing Tech in the convo. Not sure what kool-aid Kliff will be spinning this time. RE Safeties: I would love a scenario where all three rotated. There is NO WAY you keep Parker off the field. That boy brings the wood.

  • Roger Nixon says:

    Really good read on Akamnonu. He is an impressive student -athelte.

    • Super K says:

      Lots of upside as well. Could be a really good OL class.

      • Gary Robbins says:

        If OU gets Ford and Akamnonu as ot’s (?) and Barnett as og (?) will they go after anybody else.
        Thanks again for some good news on recruiting.

        • hOUligan says:

          The OL class in beginning to take shape and is looking strong. Think OU still takes Danley and Wariboko if he decides to come back.

        • Zack says:

          It really just depends I think there’s several that are high on ou so this will probably be a first come first serve type of deal. I think they take 6 guys with 2 already committed. And there’s 3 juco guys looking really hard at ou and they may like that opportunity to come try to win a job against guys who haven’t had any time at the college level. I think they hold a spot for Barnett but I’m not sure they will be patient with wariboko if they get on a roll here and pick up 2 more commits before he end of august.
          I’m not worried at all about the oline bedenbaugh is going to be able to bring in 6 guys that he really wants.

    • hOUligan says:

      Agree. Not that often you hear of a kid talking academics first and thinking long term, past 5 years in the league, and his work future down the road. Really want great young men like that at OU and that he is a heckuva baller is even better.

  • Scott says:

    Hi TFB,

    Just caught an error and wanted to bring to your attention for readers.

    Cody himself made it clear to us that with or without an OU offer, the
    Sooners would still be sitting in a very good spot with him.

    I think you meant LSU offer.

    Just didn’t want to cause any confusion to all the readers. Keep up the great work all!

  • Nico says:

    OU and TT ARE NOT similarly esteemed in petroleum engineering. OU is head and shoulders better (fact, not an opinion, and based on a myriad of things that I won’t list out) Just wanted to make sure and point that out :-).

    • Super K says:

      haha, JY can correct me if I’m wrong but I suspect that he was paraphrasing Madison’s thoughts 🙂

    • J J says:

      Being in west texas & around oil & gas guys, I didn’t even know TT had a PE degree. In fact we have about 15-20 tech students per year & I still didn’t know 🙂

    • PLAW0720 says:

      BSME TTU here – I have many friends and frat bros who were BSPE at tech. Most have done very well, but OU’s department is always ranked Top 5 in the country. I think OU department is historically much higher regarded than Tech’s.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Really hoping Kendall can make it in and have a good visit Good news about Parker, boy can flat ball, should see the field plenty.

  • Zack says:

    Thanks for the updates. Looking forward to the new contributor and the next blind tape test.

  • bjwalker82 says:

    Ugh this “altercation” situation is hanging over fall camp like a cloud. I really wanna get ginned up about the team but I can’t. It’s killing me.

    Still good to hear about Steven Parker, am very excited to see him develop.

  • hOUligan says:

    Interesting how coaches see different things in a player. Coach B is all over Ford and the LSU staff is still evaluating. Checked their roster and LSU appears to have brought in 4 OG/C last year and have 2 already committed this year. They like the length and their OTs are mostly 6-6 range (a 6-7 commit this year). Maybe still deciding if Ford could project at OT as they are just about stocked inside? Sounds positive for OU with both him and Akamnonu.
    Just an aside, during the UA AA replay, talked about how the state of LA leads with nfl players. Glad to see OU pounding away there.

  • lovethemsooners says:

    Below is a quote from a message board contributor that I found semi-amusing, yet had me curious. Regardless the merit of the post, or whether or not the person has anything whatsoever to do with the petroleum engineering field. Wouldn’t the Texas based PE company be more inclined to hire a graduate from a Texas school over one from Oklahoma? I hope not.

    “I have hired two petroleum engineers from OU, and eight from TTU. I can
    say first hand I will not be hiring anymore from OU as those from TTU
    appear to have a more well rounded education, judgment, and
    understanding of what is required of them early in their career.”

    • Zack says:

      Well that guy is a tech fan I believe his profile name had raider in it. You have a point though and also if he is a tech fan he and the tech graduates are going to have more common ground which as an applicant you try to find ways to relate to the employer outside of just your qualifications.

    • Indy_sooner says:

      “I have hired two petroleum engineers from OU, and eight from TTU”
      Even if I give him the benefit of the doubt, eliminating a school based on empirical evidence derived from a sample size of two is ridiculous. Not sure OU PE grads would want to work for this guy either.

    • Malicong says:

      If that is the case and this guy actually has this opinion, then he has very poor business model. Regardless of what has happened in the past, each candidate is different and their merits as indivduals should be the determining factor. Just because someone graudates from Havard Business doesn’t mean they will be a successful businessman, and just because someone is a rube from the Ozarks doesn’t mean he can’t run the most successful retail chain in America. That quote sounds more like homeristic projection than actual fact.

    • Doobie74OU says:

      Think that really speaks more to him as the guy doing the hiring. He couldn’t tell from the interviews and applications whether the person was qualified or not for the job. Sounds like his job should be the one in question to me!

    • Don’t worry about it. The day some random internet person tells the whole truth on a message board is the same day you can stop worrying about anything at all. Dudes who hire 10 PEs don’t spend their time defending that choice in sports message boards.

  • Roger Nixon says:

    If Byrd/Parker can play safety like Bird Parker played sax…..
    I was going to make a pun about the secondary hitting a high note, just couldn’t do it. 🙂

  • Jared William Reininger says:

    Good to see Brown on campus. And I am so glad to see so much competition on the roster. Complacency does not make for Championships. This is the first time in a long while that there seemed to be a lot of competition at so many positions.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Fully expecting Du’Vonta Lampkin to commit to Texas later today, just fyi. Based on the comments from some here previously, I don’t expect many to be all that upset about it. But I’m sure you can count on the Texas ppl to sell it as a great “steal” from OU.

    • Zack says:

      And rivals will immediately update him to a 4 star in the top 100.

      • kt-raida says:

        5 star sir….it will be 5 star.

        • Jax Raging Bile Duct says:

          Then folks will come out of the woodwork to complain about OU never signing the 5 star kids and how Texas, even in a down year, still gets the goods. #firebobstoops #OUshouldhave85guysrankedwith5stars

          • kt-raida says:

            It’s funny I recently met a guy who said he was an OU fan I got excited and said “me too!” He then says yeah they need to fire Stoops, my whole demeanor changed . I said you are not an OU fan sir, our time together has been a lie I bid you good day.

          • EasTex says:

            Was he munching on a turkey leg?

          • kt-raida says:

            A turkey leg?….now that you v day something he was picking his teeth with a turkey bone.

      • Chase Korenek says:

        Funny “cuz” it’s true Zack…

      • EasTex says:

        Tell the truth!

  • Jason Vos says:

    So where does Ahmad Thomas stand in this safety battle convo? Heard he was impressing during the spring practices

  • Boom says:

    Super K, if Parker is as good as advertised, why not CB. Does he not want to play CB or is his skills suited or natural to the safety position. He has the size Mike loves at the CB position. Curious.

  • Stephen says:

    Noticed Sheffield plays a little bit of corner and WR, too. I don’t know how many safeties OU is taking this year, but my choice would be both Reid and Sheffield, worry about positions later. Both are great athletes for how big they are.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Unless I’m mistaken, Sheffield is CB all the way for OU.

    • Zack says:

      You know I looked up Jordan Thomas’s film yesterday and I didn’t know he played receiver also in high school but I guess I should have figured since a lot of guys play both sides in high school. He looked like a pretty smooth receiver I’m honestly surprised he wanted to or was projected to play defense instead.

      • Stephen says:

        I’ll have to look that up! Slow day at work, coffee is already out.

      • Stephen says:

        I was impressed on the first play where he DeMarco Murray’d into the end zone. But I see what you were saying, kind of looks like DeAndrew White from Alabama, so fluid and doesn’t seem to lose a lot of speed making cuts or during contact.

  • Josh says:

    Been a busy morning but….
    33 Days Till Football Time in Oklahoma!! Today at #33 we have two great backs from different eras with Trey Millard and the slightly colorful Joe Don Looney. Boomer Sooner!!

    • Gary Robbins says:

      Joe Don Looney-what a story had a little rebel in him.

      • Josh says:

        Yeah Joe Don’s story fascinates the heck out of me! He was definitely a different cat!

        • Boom says:

          Always loved this comment from JDL.

          He once skipped several practices. When questioned about his absences, he responded by saying, “If practice makes perfect and perfection is impossible, why practice?”

    • EasTex says:

      After Trey, my next most memorable #33 is Patrick Collins.

      • Josh says:

        Patrick Collins could absolutely FLY! He often gets overlooked because of the star power of some of his teammates and because of the greatness of the backs the in the 70s.

      • Sooner 4Ever says:

        That’s a great video, but whomever edited it cut off the bow in the endzone after that long run against Nebraska in the very last clip.

      • Josh says:

        Man those were rough years! De’mond and his asthma were about the only thing worth talking about those dark days.

        • Josh says:

          LOL wasn’t showing that the pic of Kenyon Rasheed were actually uploading so I gave up on it. Something tells me they were…

        • Boom says:

          what a great pic. Only the QB’s hand, RB with eyes to the hole, arms in place, determination in his motion, and nothing but snow in background. Really cool pic.

      • Doobie74OU says:

        I remember being at the 1996 OU vs. Nebraska game were we got destroyed 73 – 21, but the three scores OU had were part of a amazing year for Parker who scored all the TDs in the game for OU on runs of 34, 17, & 51 yds. AMAZING! But what I remember most unfortunately is that me and my best friend were sitting right next to the Nebraska section and they had this one fan everybody called “Duck Man!” He had a hat that looked like a duck with Head & Beak, Tail, and Wings and everything. When you pulled a string the wings flapped. He also had a duck call that he blew non-stop! He would climb to the top of the stadium take off running down the stairs as fast as he could and flap the wings and blown that dang call and when he got to the bottom of the stairs he would yell “HEY DAISY FUENTES NICE PASS!!!” with the whole Nebraska section joining in (of course our QB at the time was Justin Fuente) Couldn’t even tell that story till 2000 when we came back from 14 down to beat Nebraska to top off a perfect month of OU football. That guy was the MOST ANNOYING FAN EVER! I loved him and respected his passion for his team! Part of what made that series great and I still miss it today!

  • leatherneck1061 says:

    I know we’re not supposed to speculate, but if the video shows what the victim claims I don’t see how there could be this much delay in making an arrest. This whole thing still just doesn’t add up.

    • Eric Hoffpauir says:

      I hear ya, but it could also be that the video shows essentially what the alleged victim claims, but it’s not possible to clearly identify either Mixon or the alleged victim, or both.

      • paganpink says:

        Or perhaps she struck him first and they are debating how much force is acceptable in self defense? He would have the right to defend himself but maybe the extent of her injuries is as suggested in the media, and they feel that he should have used less force against an impaired female half his size. I have no idea whether there is a legal basis for him not “holding back” but perhaps they are debating whether it might be seen as an aggravated battery because of the severity of her injuries. So they are uncertain between not charging him at all, or charging him because he hit her so hard in return for a slap or scratching his face, or something. It fits the facts somewhat but I’m not saying that her injuries are as bad as she portrayed, or that he even hit her at all. They seem to be proceeding very cautiously for what would be a fairly clear case in a lot of cases, as well they should. Any criminal attorneys on here want to tell me whether that is a likely scenario or not?

        • paganpink says:

          Proportional response is what I have been told it is called. And it can negate a self defense claim.

        • LLAdamJ7 says:

          Maybe they are trying to verify the extent of the woman’s injuries?

    • Chase Korenek says:

      That’s what the “WHOLE” story/situation has sounded like to me from the beginning. None of us can say for sure, especially me as I don’t know Mixon personally, but from what I’ve read/seen/heard what he was “accused” of seemed completely out of character for him. From what the media has said about her character as a person and the holes in her story nothing adds up. IF the situation ends up the way we all hope and I were Mixon I would go after this girl legally. “Two can play that game”!

  • Jason Vos says:

    if Steven Parker is so good in coverage, why not let him compete for the open CB spot

    • Jordan Esco says:

      K can speak to it further, but I feel like the context of that comment re: Parker’s coverage skills are in relation to his fellow safeties. It’s one thing to be a safety with above-average, possibly even great, cover skills, but it’s another entirely to be out there on that island.

      • Shifty says:

        I was thinking the same thing but it says “cornerbacks included”

        • Jordan Esco says:

          Again, K can clarify but I’d be somewhat surprised if that’s truly the case.

      • Doobie74OU says:

        I would think too it depends on the WR they are facing! If they are talking about Todd, Green-Beckham, Andrews, Cavil or one of the other 6’4″+ receivers we have then Parker probably does play them as well or close to the CB’s that we have that are 5’10” or 5’11” but it is really hard to believe that Parker carries Shepard or Quick as well on a crossing route as these Corners do!

    • Jordan Esco says:

      K can speak to it further, but I feel like the context of that comment re: Parker’s coverage skills are in relation to his fellow safeties. It’s one thing to be a safety with above-average, possibly even great, cover skills, but it’s another entirely to be out there on that island.

    • Shifty says:

      My guess is that he would be too important at safety…Look at the long pass plays last year and a good percent where given up by Hayes

    • Super K says:

      Shifty is right. And of course Coach Mike would never give him to coach Wright.

  • Tom says:

    The media is getting desparate on the Mixon front, they are trying to report anything and now they are having to go back and make corrections. Really disappointed in some guys, that I normally like to read….

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Certainly an argument to be made for that, IMO.

    • Jared William Reininger says:

      I saw an article saying “Joe Mixon has not reported for practice” well I hope not cause that isn’t until the end of the week. lol. I feel some LARGE assumptions being made.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    It’s a good thing most of you are regular readers and aren’t only just now learning about Samaje Perine like some of the local media appear to be.

    • Bill Duncan says:

      Really since he committed, the only thing you’ve heard is he’s worked extremely hard and is very mature for his age.

  • rphdenton says:

    post on oui that understands…….”This board needs camp to start in the worst way so we can start criticizing players and second guessing coaches. Damnit!”

  • Paul Warfield says:

    Making any statements about who are the guys in the running for the safety spots, and leaving Thomas off that list, this early makes no sense.

    These guys haven’t even had their first stretching session of fall camp and we have a site saying this stuff.

    • EasTex says:

      I didn’t get a “he’s chopped liver” memo, either.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      “Byrd and Ahmad Thomas seem better suited for the boundary safety position.”

    • Super K says:

      Sorry, we just assumed that folks would know we are making the statements based on information we have from inside the program. Sorry if that offends you. This site is, in part, meant to offer fans a bit of an inside look since most folks don’t get a chance to talk to people in and around the program. There is a general concern that Thomas may currently be too stiff to play man to man and as such may be a liability in the pass game. He’s a big guy. Also, I hope the slight equivocation wasn’t lost on you…”most likely”.

      • ToatsMcGoats says:

        I think this person is referring to the comment made earlier today that “A know-it-all on the other board thinks he will start (this guy actually has great inside info occasionally) Is there any real chance of that?” I could be wrong, but that’s the first thing that popped into my mind when I read it.

  • Steve Johns says:

    Been out of pocket for a few weeks from having quad by-pass and just now able to get around enough to sit at my computer for a short time. My son came by Saturday and told me about Mixon. Said according to TV and newspaper things didn’t sound good. I told him screw those people – go to TFB and tell me what was really going on. Thanks guys for doing a great job!

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Damn, glad to have you back!!!

    • EasTex says:

      God Bless you.
      Got to get your strength up, only 33 days til the season starts.

    • Super K says:

      Glad to have you back! Hope you’re doing better bud!

    • Billy Jackson says:

      Glad you’re feeling better. Take care of that ticker. Not sure how good the news about Mixon was for your heart, but seeing you survived, it’s safe to say the surgeon did a good job. 🙂

    • ToatsMcGoats says:

      My dad has had several heart catheters in the past few years. It’s tough on the patient, but it’s also tough on the family! Take care of yourself, and get well soon.

    • jonnyBgood says:

      My father in law had that as well. That was many years back and he is better than ever! Take care of yourself and God Bless.

  • Steve Cooke says:

    @OU_CoachJerryM: @ZEUS__78 just walked in the door, I think we need to make this door bigger http://twitter.com/OU_CoachJerryM/status/493827756535193600/photo/1

  • Shelby is a Patriot says:

    Sounds like we made a good impression on Akamnonu!

  • godman says:

    Regarding the news media…whether it is concerning reports (and I use that term as loosely as are the actual reports themselves) on Mixon or others, that we must keep in mind that the news business is a business and it is hard to sell advertising without large numbers of viewers. This means trying to beat every other news competitor to the scoop and this means little to no vetting, substantiating or investigating until satisfied with inerrant truth. It used to be better but now the integrity of the profession has devolved to the level of the standards of the general morality of it’s consumers which is at about the tabloid level. That is why this site is so refreshing because it holds itself to a much higher level and THAT..without even charging or advertising. Crazy good, TFB! Keep it up.

  • Josh says:

    That’s great news on KLS, I’m a HUGE fan of his. A reminded him on Twitter that the Sooners are quite used to being in the top 5 w/ a record 383 weeks spent in the AP top 5 including a record 101 at #1… I think I heard someone once say something like… There’s Only One!! Boomer!

  • Zack says:

    Rivals just changed their top prospect out of texas.

  • Roger Nixon says:

    Keisean must not like the NE, he’s ready to go anywhere else though.

  • Boom says:

    KLS – good stuff, really like him.

  • BoomerDave says:

    Du’vanta Lampkin just committed to Texas. Yawn!!

  • Dana Rogers says:

    The Mixon thing: Fortuitous indeed a surveillance camera was on site. My experience is these things tend to completely legitimatize the statements of either party.

  • Zack says:

    So outside of Myron patton and pj mills, the rest of the Oklahoma City media KNOWS mixon is guilty. Do I really have to say what this makes Oklahomans sound like?

  • thebigdroot says:

    My anonymous source told me his anonymous source knows something anonymous but can’t disclose the full details…….Can I post this anonymously?

    Edited: Anonyous extra n’s kept appearing.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    As one would expect, the level of stupidity on OKC sports talk radio today has reached a new low.

    • thebigdroot says:

      Can’t fix stupid.

    • BoomerDave says:

      Most of it coming from Traber. He’s already convicted him and sentenced him banishment from the state.

      • Malicong says:

        Mark Rogers wasn’t much better. One of the dumbest lines I have ever heard on sports talk “I believe he should be able to play football again, just not at OU.” As if getting a second chance only applies if it happens in another state.

    • Malicong says:

      I had the same take. I like listening at certain times, but I was getting very irritated today.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Mixon has met w/ the police and his lawyer released a brief statement, updates above.

    • Zack says:

      So do you expect channel 4 to lead with “police are still in search of joe mixon”
      However the statement does acknowledge contact with the girl so I guess we (me included) can stop believing nothing happened. But now leads to how many times was he hit before he reacted?

      • Jordan Esco says:

        I suspect they still believe his cruising around Norman in a white Bronco

      • Super K says:

        Sounds like “instinctually defended himself” is the key point from attorney’s statement in my mind.

        • Stephen says:

          Probably how he is going to get out of this, you think Bob will take any action, or even let him go? (assuming he isn’t convicted)

          • blaster1371 says:

            I don’t. Stoops can’t IMO after brining DGB onto the team. Remove a player who maybe excerpted poor judgment about being put so late would kill his credibility with the team.

          • Soledad77 says:

            Not sure. But consider that the only way out of this is for Mixon to prove that the admitted touching was reasonable or even instant (without time to think). I.e., he won’t escape punishment by lucking out for lack of evidence but because he proved he did not commit a crime. Looking at it that way, no punishment from OU is warranted.

        • Soledad77 says:

          Yes. “Instinctually” (He could also have used “reflexively”) = “done instantly and without conscious thought or decision.” Conscious thought is necessary for criminal intent.

          Also “physical attacks.” If Mixon’s touching was a reflexive response to her touching, there can be no criminal intent. Mixon’s best evidence would be an injury to a vulnerable part of the body (such as scratches to his face) along with witnesses willing to testify that he was battered prior to his response. Also that he did not appear to consciously respond but that it happened so fast that it appeared to be reflexive.

    • Bam says:

      He also asked for charges to be pressed against Molitor. Reportedly. Changes things slightly?

      • Jordan Esco says:

        Not sure how much it changes anything per se, but it does prove (at least to me) he has an attorney who very much knows what he’s doing.

      • blaster1371 says:

        Could lead to both sides agreeing to just forfeit their right to press charges.

    • SamSooner says:

      Jordan, you guys are awesome.

      • Jordan Esco says:

        All of you guys & gals are what make this place awesome, but thank you for the kind words.

  • Tom says:

    Lets see if the media will lead with “Mixon attacked”….in all these articles, never once was it mentioned that he might have been defending himself, such irresponsible journalism

    • Soledad77 says:

      A lot of people do not think men are allowed to defend themselves from attacks by women. It’s incredibly sexist. The problem for Mixon is if the female’s injuries are severe, a self-defense claim will be more difficult.

      • blaster1371 says:

        No it won’t. If it can be proven that he had earlier restrained himself and she later escalated the attacks then he is good to go.

  • TheFuerte says:

    I hope everyone else is having a great day. I’m ready to watch a Sugar Bowl replay, and follow this week’s practice notes. I’m worn out. I had a dream last night where Jeremy Beal was being questioned connection to the Mixon story. Something about deli sandwich that was missing the mustard.

    • blaster1371 says:

      Dude????!!!!!!

      • blaster1371 says:

        That’s funny! (Left that out)

      • TheFuerte says:

        I know. Strange. I went to bed last night after taking pain killers for some severe sinus issues and reading the Landthieves thread on the Mixon situation. Ready for the season to start and all the litigation to be over with.

  • Zack says:

    Mixon wants to press charges…wish I could still take screen shots. Landthieves posted on twitter “don’t mind me just making some popcorn.” Best comment I’ve seen.

  • SamSooner says:

    Let me say, prior to discovering TFB, I was all but done with reading article by Berry Tramel. The world is always ending for him. But today is a happy day for me because I have read my last article by Berry Tramel.
    I live in Ohio, Big 10 country. News regarding OU is scarce here. I have to go to multiple sites in order to get any news I can find on OU. NewsOK was one of those sites. Not anymore. Berry and Jenni are as pessimistic as anyone you will run into. But today is a new low: This article is shameful, he appears to be reaching. http://tinyurl.com/k6jykqe.

    • Stephen says:

      Welcome. Welcome to Paradise. (Outside of Gaylord Memorial Stadium)

    • SamSooner says:

      Most of the article isn’t written by him. Arrgh!!!

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I saw that earlier today as well and was forced to respond via gif at the absurdity of it, let alone it actually being published.

      http://marnibates.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/tumblr_mbyl5qi4tu1rnvlqy.gif

    • blaster1371 says:

      A diet of a Berry Tramel articles…….. So,sorry. Wade into the waters of football goodness my son……. Let’s the steady stream of quality football rapport cleanse you of all that is Newsok. Now you’ve basked in the light, the darkeness is no place for you.

      • Zack says:

        Also Barry is a big time advocate for females. He did some commercial or something to bring awareness to something like girls who are sold into sex trafficking.

    • Big Higg says:

      Tramel is such a joke. I hate reading his articles. I almost exclusively come to TFB for my Oklahoma Football info needs. There isn’t a better source out there.

    • boomersooner says:

      Wow. That makes it sound like he shot up the school. Sounds to me like all he did was defend himself from a broad who can’t handle her booze

  • Sooner Ray says:

    The fact that Joe talked face to face with the police and walked away says a lot about how this story may turn out.

    • blaster1371 says:

      I think it goes a long ways to show he wasn’t angry and was in control of himself.

      • Stephen says:

        Seems kind of cruel humor, but I give credit to Jerry Schmidt’s weight training. That’s one hell of a punch to break 4 bones in one single strike.

        • blaster1371 says:

          I don’t understand where you see cruel humor here. Mixon comes across composed and under control in his interview with police that morning.

  • connie usa says:

    I’ll say what I said yesterday. Being a girl doesn’t give you carte blanche to hit a guy. If he only defended himself (maybe he pushed her hard), then he better not be arrested.

  • paganpink says:

    This may well come down to the proportional response thing I mentioned earlier! I believed that that was the scenario that fit the totality of everyone’s actions and the delay by the police. It may be a tough decision for the Norman police because it looks increasingly likely she is the instigator. If he hit her a single time it may still go his way. Her attorney says she is either in surgery or is scheduled for surgery for her injuries. From what I gather it can negate self defense if you cause great bodily harm to someone as a result of a minor physical assault.

    • Soledad77 says:

      “If he hit her a single time”

      That is a crucial point.

      • paganpink says:

        Yes. I’m wondering that if she does have fractures he may well BE strong enough to have done it with a single punch. All the evidence points to her being the aggressor from what we have heard, but in spite of the fact it’s easy to assume a big talented athlete has no justification hitting a woman, that is not always the case. He was an 18 year old kid celebrating his birthday, not drinking as far as anyone has alleged, when apparently a drunk woman began abusing him. Maybe the best to hope for is that she hit him and he hit her back and walked away. If he struck her more then once then it is going to be much harder to defend his actions. Many people are cynical because so many of these young black athletes get in trouble but they are all different people and I am glad to see the DA doesn’t seem to be immediately jumping to conclusions.

    • Soledad77 says:

      The degree/proportionality of harm I think should be held against a person who consciously retaliates. It is not clear that this was the case with Mixon. It may be that the burden of proof is on him to prove his defense, i.e., an “affirmative defense.”

    • Zack says:

      The other thing is does the Norman AD want to look like the whole oklahoma law system has a flaw when it comes to domestic disputes. Because even though there are far worse domestic issues than this one and the one with frank shannon, it’s a bad look because when it’s ou football players it’s high profile. The Norman courts are not at fault for what Cleveland county did but politics are insane to judge.

    • blaster1371 says:

      If he hit her once and she stopped her attack on him then I’d say his defense was appropriate. He did not kick her or just pummel her. If a person his size were to unload on a punch to,the face she would be jacked up big time. Taped evidence amd still no arrest makes this look favorable for Mixon.

    • Bob Bender says:

      This girl is insane and dangerous. The appropriate action is to take her out. If she is not taken out, she just comes right back, assaulting Mixon. Her trying to “get” Mixon prosecuted is part of the insanity, part of the assault.

  • Mike Reed says:

    Gosh I didn’t want to get involved in all this speculation on the Mixon incident, but I’ll say this.

    If this girl for no reason began verbally abusing Mixon and then physically assaulted him, he has the right, (as does anyone) to defend himself from such an attack.

    Oklahoma State Statute Title 21 Chapter 20 Section 643 is titled ” Lawful Use of Force Upon Another – Circumstances

    Paragraph 3 states ” When committed either by the person about to be injured, or by any other person in such person’s aid or defense, in preventing or attempting to prevent an offense against such person, or any trespass or other unlawful interference with real or personal property in such person’s lawful possession; provided the force or violence used is not more than sufficient to prevent such offense;”.

    That last sentence is the kicker here. Will the force used by Mixon be considered “more than sufficient to prevent such offense”, or was it sufficient under the circumstances? I think that is what the DA will have to determine in considering charges.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      I would think the video evidence showed that it was not excessive or the police could have placed him under arrest today. Obviously they don’t consider him any kind of threat.

      • Chase Korenek says:

        That’s the way/what I look at Ray when looking at this Mixon stuff. If, even with all the doubt in the world, thought Mixon had done something illegal, I’m pretty sure he would have been in hand-cuffs already.

  • Ed Cotter says:

    Man, you head of the country for a few weeks and all heck breaks loose. Mixon drama, some new commits and some good visits. Good to see Lampkin at Texas, they can have him. Hope it works out for him. And Fall Camp starting soon. Can’t wait!! It’s almost football time in Oklahoma!

  • Wesley Dean says:

    I got on this site for the first time this morning and have ran my battery dead two times now! I have found my new favorite Sooner news site yall’s coverage and grading of the recruits is amazing and the coverage of mixon is awesome yall aren’t jumping to conclusions like everywhere else is. Hope to get to know some of the people who have posted on here seems like a very educated bunch.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      Our door is always open.

    • SoonerCindy says:

      Welcome!
      Wait till the season starts,their reviews and breakdowns of plays are extremely informative.

    • Chase Korenek says:

      Glad to have ya Wesley!

    • Chase Korenek says:

      The best thing about this place is how hard the brainiacs bust their rear-end to get us sooner fans info. They really do a great job and no other site can come close.

    • Chase Korenek says:

      You’ll come to get very very excited with the anticipation of the new open posts. 🙂

  • KellyB says:

    Looks like Baker Mayfield can also play WR. A little fun with Duron Neal

    http://instagram.com/p/rAlKMyEts0/

  • KellyB says:

    BTW – and FWIW – Texas offered two 2016 QB’s today: Shea Patterson and Dwayne Haskins Jr.