www.SoonersBlog.com

Toby Rowland introduced Bob Stoops to the Sooner Caravan crowd Wednesday evening as “the man who singlehandedly shut up the SEC.”

During a recent trip to Bristol, Conn., last week, Stoops participated in ESPN’s “car wash,” during which he appeared on several of the network’s television and radio programs and defended his comments about the SEC. Stoops also specifically mentioned Texas A&M’s weak nonconference schedule on one program.

“I'm just stating facts,” Stoops said Wednesday. “I'm not lying about anything, making anything else.

Continue Reading →

2014 Amway Coaches Poll (Preseason)
1. Florida State – 1543 (56)
2. Alabama – 1455
3. Oklahoma – 1382 (3)
4. Oregon – 1314 (1)
5. Auburn – 1271
6. Ohio State – 1267 (1)
7. UCLA - 1085
8. Michigan State - 1050
9. South Carolina – 1009 (1)
10. Baylor - 96511. Stanford - 955
12. Georgia - 905
13. LSU - 833
14. Wisconsin - 654
15. USC - 627
16. Clemson - 535
17. Notre Dame - 509
18. Arizona State - 358
19. Ole Miss - 346
20. Texas A&M - 266
21. Kansas State - 25722. Nebraska - 228
23. North Carolina - 175
24. Texas - 14325. Washington - 142

Receiving votes: Missouri (126), Florida (122), Central Florida (102), Mississippi State (74), Oklahoma State (56), TCU (54), Michigan (53), Iowa (49), Miami (45), Duke (41), Louisville (32), Marshall (27), BYU (18), Boise State (13), Louisiana-Lafayette (12), Virginia Tech (12), Texas Tech (8), Minnesota (6), Cincinnati (6), Northwestern (5), Oregon State (4), Fresno State (4), Georgia Tech (2), Houston (2), Arkansas (1), Arizona (1) Northern Illinois (1)

Continue Reading →

The alleged victim in the assault case involving OU freshman running back Joe Mixon is recovering from surgery and now getting death threats.

By now the girl's name and face have been in the spotlight across the country. She's 20 year old Amelia Molitor.

Continue Reading →

Oklahoma freshman running back Joe Mixon has been suspended from participating in football related activities after an altercation at a sandwich shop in Norman early in the morning last Friday.

An attorney for Mixon, Matt Swain, released that information to News 9 Wednesday afternoon. The University is expected to release a statement on the suspension later Wednesday evening. (News9.com)

UPDATED: University of Oklahoma Athletics Department's statement regarding Joe Mixon: "Joe Mixon is not reporting for team activities at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation."

Continue Reading →

Kurt Warner and former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford couldn't have taken paths any different to become the starting quarterback for the St. Louis Rams than the ones that ultimately landed them in the position.

But that doesn't mean Warner can't understand what Bradford goes through in his efforts to prove the job should belong to him well into the future.

In evaluating Bradford, Warner points to the need for an improved supporting cast that's existed almost since his arrival in St. Louis as the No. 1 overall pick in 2010.

Continue Reading →

The investigation involving Oklahoma freshman running back Joe Mixon could last another week or more, a Norman Police official said Wednesday.

“We are not closer to making an arrest,” Norman Police captain Todd Gibson told the Tulsa World in an e-mail. “and would anticipate having documentation to the Cleveland County District Attorney sometime late next week.”

Continue Reading →

University of Oklahoma will open the 2016 college football season against University of Houston in Advocare Texas Kickoff at NRG Stadium in Houston, according to multiple reports.

Continue Reading →

University of Oklahoma head wrestling coach Mark Cody has announced the addition of two former OU student-athletes and NCAA champions to his coaching staff. Andrew Howe has been hired as an assistant coach, while Kendric Maple will serve as a volunteer assistant coach.

Both Howe and Maple are coming off impressive and decorated collegiate careers. Howe is a four-time All-American, while Maple earned three such honors. The duo joins assistant coach Michael Lightner, who is also an NCAA champion and four-time All-American.

“Our goal through this process was to try to cover every weight class. I think we’ve done that, and we’ve done that with quality people,” Cody said. “With the addition of Andrew and Kendric, we now have three coaches on staff who have met the goals we want for all of our student-athletes. They are all NCAA champions, and all have graduated from the University of Oklahoma with excellent GPAs.

Continue Reading →

When rumors began to swirl early Friday afternoon that an unnamed University of Oklahoma football player was involved in a serious early Friday morning altercation at Pickleman's Gourmet Café on Campus Corner -- fans took to Twitter to speculate.

As sports fans on Twitter know too often that Twitter can be a roller-coaster of information and misinformation, we're quick to speculate details of who's involved, how it happened and what happened.

But as Friday evening progressed we learned the unknown player to be highly touted five-star running back Joe Mixon.

Mixon, an 18-year-old freshman, who's involvement in anything positive or negative would be newsworthy for any obsessed Sooner or college football fan thirsty for news.

MORE:

Continue Reading →

One of America's most coveted recruits of the 2014 college football high school recruiting class plans legal action against his accuser after an incident at a local Norman, Oklahoma pub.

Continue Reading →

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin has long said he doesn’t make the Aggies’ schedule, he just plays it.

So either he’s had his powers extended along with that $2 million raise he received in the offseason (to $5 million annually), or he’s passing a sentiment along from his bosses, but Sumlin offered this on Friday at a Coach’s Night event before Houston Aggies via @Aggie_Sports on Twitter:

Continue Reading →

An Norman Police Department press release stated the facts of the incident “describe an altercation between Amelia Rae Molitor, age 20 of Norman, and Joe Mixon that turned physical and concluded with Molitor sustaining injuries to her face.”

Mixon, an incoming freshman and high-profile recruit, wasn’t present when police arrived for the initial call, the press release stated.

READ Norman PD's Full Press Release Below

Continue Reading →

Norman Police are still investigating assault allegations against highly-touted Oklahoma freshman running back Joe Mixon, and charges aren’t likely to be filed Monday, the district attorney’s office told The Oklahoman.

Mixon is being investigated for allegedly assaulting a female OU student at Picklemen’s Gourmet Cafe on Campus Corner early Friday morning.

The police incident report states that an unnamed male suspect assaulted Molitor inside Pickleman’s, stating that she suffered “apparent broken bones” following the incident.

“A female was hit in the face by a male subject — (the subject) is gone — she is in the bathroom … she is (conscious) and she is intoxicated … She is bleeding from the mouth … no difficulty breathing,” the report states. (More at The Oklahoman)

RELATED:
Joe Mixon's Alleged Victim Plans Legal Action
Report: Joe Mixon Has Hired an Attorney, Says His Client Is Being Investigated
OU Spokesperson: We Are Aware of an Incident Involving A Player

Continue Reading →

Former Oklahoma and current New Orleans wide receiver Kenny Stills got hurt on the first day of Saints Training Camp.

"He was on a deep pattern," WWL Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic (of New Orleans sports radio station) reported.

Garic says Stills stopped running as he was headed down field.

Continue Reading →

Norman police have confirmed an incident  [involving running back Joe Mixon] at Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe in Norman, but said no arrests were made and an investigation is underway. A police incident report did not identify the suspect in the assault.

The report did, though, identify the alleged victim as Amelia Rae Molitor, a 20-year-old OU student from Euless, Texas, who spoke to The Oklahoman on Friday evening via telephone.

Molitor said she had never seen Mixon before he punched her in the face, breaking four bones. She said Mixon was “harassing” her and some of her friends at Pickleman’s before the incident.

Continue Reading →

The Oklahoman's Jason Kersey is reporting the following..

Oklahoma freshman running back Joe Mixon was involved in a serious altercation at a restaurant near the OU campus early Friday morning, Mixon’s attorney confirmed to The Oklahoman.

Mixon’s involvement was first reported by SoonerScoop.com, the Rivals site that covers OU.
Norman police have confirmed an incident at Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe, but said no arrests were made and an investigation is underway.

An OU athletics spokesman said the department is aware of the situation and is conducting its own internal investigation.

Kevin Finlay, a Norman attorney, said Mixon contacted him about the incident shortly after it occurred. The attorney confirmed that Norman police had been in contact with Mixon but that his client had “not been arrested at this point.”

More at NewsOK.com

From Earlier: OU Spokesperson: We Are Aware of an Incident Involving A Player

Joe Mixon involved in serious altercation early Friday: Rivals.com

Continue Reading →

Norman police responded to an assault call early Friday morning at Campus Corner and no was arrested at the time.

The unnamed player is rumored to be freshman running back Joe Mixon.

Tulsa World's Guerin Emig posted the following on Twitter.

Norman PD confirms response to alleged aggravated assault at Campus Corner Picklemans around 2:40 a.m. No arrests. Investigation underway.
— Guerin Emig (@GuerinEmig) July 25, 2014

Norman Police would not confirm whether they had suspects, let alone ID any. Did confirm aggravated assault charge would be a felony.
— Guerin Emig (@GuerinEmig) July 25, 2014

OU spokesman in email, regarding the incident and involvement of any fb players: "We are aware of the matter and is under internal review"
— Guerin Emig (@GuerinEmig) July 25, 2014

Mixon, who was very active on Twitter, has since deactivated his Twitter account some time Friday.

/////

UPDATE: TheFootballBrainiacs.com is reporting that Joe Mixon was indeed at Pickleman's last night.

The following is from The Football Brainiacs...

1. Joe Mixon was at Pickleman’s last night. Our source was there as well.

2. Source tells us that a woman who appeared to be drunk came into Pickleman’s and starting “taking sh*t” to Joe for no apparent reason.

3. Source said Joe actually responded quite calmly to her.

4. Source said that while he (the source) was there, he never saw anyone hit anyone. Source also said that Joe never even raised his voice.

5. Source also told us that the woman involved left before he (the source) and Mixon left.

6. Another source tells us that Joe deleted his twitter account for reasons completely unrelated to this.

RELATED:
Report: Joe Mixon Has Hired an Attorney, Says His Client Is Being Investigated

Continue Reading →

Bob Stoops responded to Alabama coach Nick Saban's comments about the Sugar Bowl being a "consolation game" as quickly and decisively as the Sooners did in last season's 45-31 upset of the Tide.

"They didn't look like it was a consolation game on that first drive when they scored a touchdown and everyone thought they were going to rout us," the Oklahoma coach said. "I've been in plenty of those [non-national title games]. We've played in a bunch of national championship games, right? ... That's a good one.

"So that means I've got a built-in excuse the next time we don't play for a national championship?"

Continue Reading →

The University of Oklahoma men's basketball program was recognized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) on Wednesday with the organization's Team Academic Excellence Award.

Created by the NABC Committee on Academics, the award honors outstanding academic achievement by teams with a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better for the 2013-14 season.

OU, which recorded a program-record 3.06 GPA, was one of 28 Division I teams to meet the award's criteria. Only six other teams from the five "power" conferences (Big 12, ACC, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC) were also honored. Those schools are co-Big 12 members Iowa State and Texas, and Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina and Stanford.

Continue Reading →

Former Oklahoma and current Philadelphia second-year tackle, Lane Johnson, has officially been suspended for the first four games of the 2014-15 NFL season, for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing drugs. The suspension was originally reported on June 30th.

“In April while training, I mistakenly and foolishly put a prescribed medication in my body to help with a medical issue,” Johnson admitted in a statement. “I mistakenly failed to clear it with Eagles trainers and check the NFL list of banned substances. I am extremely sorry for this mistake and I will learn from it and be smarter in the future. I would like to sincerely apologize to Mr. Lurie, Howie Roseman, Coach Kelly and his staff, my teammates and our amazing Philadelphia Eagles fans. This will be very hard on me to not be battling with my teammates for four games – but I will be ready and better than ever when I return.” (CBS Philly)

USA Today reports, the suspension will cost Johnson $116,470 — 4/17ths of his $495,000 base salary in 2014. The four-year contract he signed last July included a $12,818,620 signing bonus.
RELATED:
Report: Former Sooner Lane Johnson Faces Suspension for PEDs

Continue Reading →

Frank Shannon remains enrolled at OU and a member of the football team with only a few weeks until fall camp opens. An athletic department spokesman said he doesn’t expect that to change, although the university’s open-records office and Shannon’s attorney refused Wednesday to provide any new information regarding the ongoing investigation into an alleged sexual assault six months ago at an off-campus apartment.

OU athletic department spokesman Pete Moris said he’s been told to proceed as if Shannon will play this fall, and that the junior linebacker from Dallas will appear in the team’s official media guide. Moris said he anticipates Shannon will be on the roster when fall camp starts July 31. (Tulsa World)

RELATED:
Oklahoma Linebacker Frank Shannon Accused of Sexual Assault

Continue Reading →

Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson recently tied the knot, according to TMZ.

The following from TMZ.com.

We spoke to AP's Peterson's rep who confirms the Minnesota Vikings running back recently tied the knot to girlfriend Ashley Brown.

The two were both wearing wedding rings at the Starkey Hearing Foundation gala in Minnesota this weekend -- and when a reporter asked Ashley for her last name, she replied, "Peterson."

We're told Adrian and Ashley have been on-and-off since Adrian's college days.

Adrian Peterson and wife, Ashley, on the red carpet at the Starkey Foundation Gala on Sunday Photo via twitter.com/vsawkar

 RELATED: Adrian Peterson: I'm The NFL's Best Player

Vikings' Adrian Peterson married? Longtime girlfriend has ring, new name: Pioneer Press

Continue Reading →

There was a time when former Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham was reportedly headed to an FCS school like Eastern Illinois. There was even some thought that he could sit out a full year and then declare for the 2015 NFL Draft.

Instead the talented but troubled wideout wound up at Oklahoma and connections to his past life as a five-star, No. 1 recruit were a big reason why.

Continue Reading →

Three members of the Oklahoma softball 2013 senior class have spent their summers playing in the National Pro Fastpitch League.

Keilani Ricketts and Jessica Shults are playing for the first-place USSSA Pride (20-8), while Michelle Gascoigne and the Chicago Bandits (17-9) are two games back in second place. All three players are in their second seasons with their respective organizations.

Shults has appeared in 13 of 28 games for the Pride, but in her limited time as posted an impressive batting line of .316/.435/.526 (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage). She’s collected six hits in 19 at-bats with a double, home run, four walks and one sacrifice. She ranks third on the team in both OBP and OPS (on-base + slugging).

Continue Reading →

Continue Reading →

Five-star defensive back Kendall Sheffield (Missouri City, Texas/Thurgood Marshall) is reportedly planning to visit University of Oklahoma next week according to ESPN's Gerry Hamilton.

Sheffield (6-0, 180) finished last season with 39 tackles and 3 interceptions. Entering his senior year, he's ranked No. 6 prospect in Texas and nation's No. 29 overall prospect according to 247Sports.com.

Sheffield is fielding offers from Alabama, LSU, Texas, Oklahoma State, among others.

Continue Reading →

Full press conference of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops addressing the media at 2014 Big 12 media days.



RELATED:
Transcript of Bob Stoops' Comments at Big 12 Media Days

Continue Reading →

THE MODERATOR: Coach, welcome, and your opening comments.

COACH STOOPS: Okay. Great to be here, 2014, starting another year here in the Big 12. We're really excited, really, about what our team has done through the winter and spring, and we've had a great summer. So I know our guys are really anxious to get back on the field here next week. And I've got five great players down here with us.

On offense I've got senior tackle Daryl Williams, quarterback Trevor Knight. And then on defense I've got three seniors, two up front, Geneo Grissom, outside linebacker, and then defensive tackle Chuka Ndulue.

And then senior quarterback/nickel back Julian Wilson, who has been a three-year starter, going on three-year starter for us. So you'll get a chance to visit with them here soon. So open it up, I guess, for questions.

Continue Reading →

Live stream of 2014 Big 12 Media Days in Dallas, Texas.

Continue Reading →

Rummel defensive tackle Tyrell Jacobs sent out a series of tweets on Monday confirming that the rising senior has committed to Oklahoma.

Jacobs chose the Sooners over Mississippi State, Tennessee, Arizona, Louisiana-Lafayette and Southern Miss.

Continue Reading →

Oklahoma has been tabbed as the favorite to win its ninth Big 12 championship in the 2014 Big 12 Football Preseason Poll, voted on by media representatives who cover the conference.

Thursday’s announcement from the Big 12 marks the fourth time in the past five seasons that OU has been selected as the preseason favorite.

OU garnered 47 of the 56 first-place votes and 548 total points to top the preseason rankings. Baylor finished second in the rankings with 508 total points and nine first-place votes. The top five is rounded out by Kansas State (377), Texas (376) and Oklahoma State (312).

Continue Reading →

University of Oklahoma Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione has been named chair of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee for the 2015-16 academic year. Castiglione will also be vice-chair of the committee this year, working with Utah State University athletics director Scott Barnes, who begins his term as chair on Sept. 1.

"I have been incredibly fortunate to have served on this committee with three outstanding chairs in Jeff Hathaway (the current director of athletics at Hofstra University), Mike Bobinski (the current director of athletics director at Georgia Tech) and current chair Ron Wellman of Wake Forest," Castiglione said. "Watching them lead the committee throughout the year and particularly through the selection process has been educational, and having the opportunity to work along with Scott in the coming year will serve as great preparation to fill this role. It's an honor to be selected by my peers and I'm appreciative of the trust that this group, for which I have a tremendous amount of respect, has placed in me."

RELATED: Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione Named Recipient of 2013 NFF John L. Toner Award

Castiglione is entering his 17th year as the director of athletics at Oklahoma, having been hired in 1998 after spending the previous 17 years at the University of Missouri. He began his career at Missouri as the director of communications and marketing before being named the director of athletics in 1993. The 1979 graduate of Maryland began his professional career as the sports promotions director at Rice, before going to Georgetown as director of athletic fundraising and then on to Missouri.

Continue Reading →

The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department announced Wednesday that the Sooners’ home football game against Kansas State (Oct. 18) is sold out.

Four of Oklahoma’s six home games for the 2014 season are now sold out, as it has been previously announced that contests against Tennessee (Sept. 13), Baylor (Nov. 8) and Oklahoma State (Dec. 6) have exhausted their tickets.

OU Football fans may still purchase single-game tickets for the remaining home games against Louisiana Tech (Aug. 30) and Kansas (Nov. 22), though there are less than 1,000 tickets available for each of those contests.

Continue Reading →

Four members of the University of Oklahoma football team were named to the 2014 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Teams, the conference announced Wednesday. The teams were chosen by media representatives who cover the league.

Offensively, the Sooners were led by senior offensive tackle Daryl Williams and senior kicker Michael Hunnicutt, while the defense saw junior linebacker Eric Striker and sophomore cornerback Zack Sanchez recognized.

Williams was chosen as an All-Big 12 Second Team honoree by the league’s coaches in 2013. That came after he was tabbed All-Big 12 honorable mention in 2012. Williams, who has been placed on the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy, has played in 32 career games with 24 starts, including all 13 last season. He started the first 12 games of the season at right tackle before injuries moved him to left tackle.

Continue Reading →

Head coach Bob Stoops announced the addition of Drew Hill to the Oklahoma Football support staff as director of player personnel.

Hill joins after serving two years on staff at Colorado State in the same role working with head coach Jim McElwain. He will direct all aspects of Oklahoma’s recruiting program in conjunction with Stoops, Cale Gundy (director of recruiting/running backs coach) and the rest of the OU coaching staff to research and attract the nation’s top talent to Oklahoma. Hill’s many duties will also include scholarship management, as well as the coordination of the recruiting calendar for members of the coaching staff.

Continue Reading →

The University of Oklahoma and the University of Michigan have agreed to a two-game football series in 2025 and 2026. Oklahoma will host the Wolverines in Norman on Sept. 6, 2025, while the Sooners are scheduled to travel to Ann Arbor, Mich., on Sept. 12, 2026.

"We remain committed to playing games that celebrate the history and excitement of college football,” said OU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione. “We're grateful for head coach Bob Stoops, who shares that commitment. Oklahoma and Michigan represent two of the most iconic names in American sport and we look forward to a series that will be marked by mutual respect and admiration. We also know how truly special these opportunities are for student-athletes, as well as our fans and college football fans everywhere. I want to express my appreciation to Michigan Athletics Director Dave Brandon, who shares our philosophy.

Continue Reading →

Lawton offensive lineman Jalin Barnett, one of the top recruits in the state for the 2015 class, has narrowed his choice to two.

Barnett said he will choose between Oklahoma and Arkansas, though a choice is not eminent.

The 6-foot-3, 303-pound offensive guard said he will still take his five officials visits this fall and decide during the season.

Continue Reading →

Former Oklahoma and current Detroit Lions receiver Ryan Broyles had a good minicamp, making impressive catches and flashing his speed and agility as he showed good progress in his return from a torn Achilles tendon last season.

“I haven’t felt this healthy to do anything in the off-season,” he said. “I (couldn’t do) a lot of pounding. But this off-season I feel like I’m going to be able to get a full off-season.”

Anterior cruciate ligament tears in each of his knees in 2011 and ’12 robbed Broyles of having a completely healthy off-season in the NFL before this year. His rehabilitation was initially slower for his Achilles — six weeks in a cast followed by two weeks on crutches — versus the ACL, when he was on his feet the first day.

Continue Reading →

Divisions and opponents have been announced for the 2014 Paradise Jam Tournament in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the University of Oklahoma women’s basketball team will play South Florida, Kentucky and Illinois as part of the Reef Division.

The 15th annual Paradise Jam will be held the week of Thanksgiving, Nov. 27-29 at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center in St. Thomas.

The Sooners will face South Florida on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27 at 7:15 p.m. CT. They then play Kentucky Friday, Nov. 28 at 5 p.m. CT and Illinois Saturday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. CT to close out the tournament.

Continue Reading →

Larry Birdine, a former Oklahoma defensive end, faces two domestic abuse charges stemming from a July 2 incident in Norman.

Birdine, who played at OU between 2003-06, was charged in Cleveland County District Court on Monday with domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and domestic assault and battery in the presence of a minor.

The Norman Transcript was the first to report the arrest.

Continue Reading →

OU sophomore-to-be Garrison LeRock, competing unattached for Alberta, finished fifth in the high jump Saturday afternoon at the 2014 Canadian Junior National Championships in Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec.

LeRock cleared 6-6.25 on his first attempt after passing on the first five heights in the competition. He then missed three chances at 6-8.25.

LeRock had established his collegiate best with a 6-11 to finish fifth at the Big 12 Championships in mid May. His final OU competition during the 2014 season was at the NCAA Prelims when he cleared 6-7.5.

Continue Reading →

OU triple jumper Hayden McClain barely missed qualifying for a trip to Eugene, Ore., for the NCAA Championships in late May. He got his trip this weekend and, in the process, earned another trip later this month to the IAAF World Junior Championships.

McClain, a sophomore-to-be, finished second in the triple jump Sunday afternoon, posting a career-best mark of 51-9.25. That mark easily passed the qualifying standard for the world meet to be held in Eugene July 22-27.

Continue Reading →

Just prior to leaving the OU campus in late June for the Kevin Durant Skills Academy as one of the nation's top-30 wings, junior Buddy Hield said he hoped to perform well enough at the three-day event to earn an invite to this week's prestigious LeBron James Skills Academy.

Mission accomplished.

Recognized as one of college basketball's top 30 players regardless of position, Hield will attend James' annual academy Wednesday through Saturday (July 9-12) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Joining the 30 collegians will be 80 of the nation's top high school players. The 110 participants will take part in competitive skills workouts and 5-on-5 games in front of NBA scouts and NCAA coaches.

Hield said Durant's skills academy, which took place June 27-29 in Washington, D.C., afforded him the chance to see how he stacks up against some of the best wings in the country.

"We did a lot of drills and played 1-on-1, 2-on-2, 3-on-3, 4-on-4 and 5-on-5, and we played pickup (games) against KD and some of his guys," said Hield, a second-team All-Big 12 honoree last year. "We played in front of scouts and used a 12-second shot clock. They wanted us to think fast and make the right play; just do what you can do and don't do what you can't do."

Hield said he expects the structure at James' academy to be slightly different.

"At LeBron's camp, you play against the best players in the country, not just the best wings. You have to go in there and compete against everyone at every position. It's going to be more free than it was at KD's camp. I know there are a few other guys from the Big 12 going and I'm looking forward to competing with them."

Fellow Big 12 players scheduled to attend are Iowa State junior Georges Niang, Kansas junior Perry Ellis and freshman Kelly Oubre, Kansas State sophomore Marcus Foster and West Virginia seniorJuwan Staten.

Hield, who averaged an OU-high 16.5 points per game and made a league-high 63 3-pointers in Big 12 play as a sophomore, said he benefited greatly from the Durant skills academy, often taking the time just to observe the reigning NBA MVP's approach to the game.

"You know, we miss two or three shots in a row and we get mad at ourselves," said Hield. "If KD misses two or three, he doesn't get down on himself. He knows he's making the next one. He's just poised and relaxed and that's one reason he's the MVP.

"I just enjoyed watching him when he works out and how he takes his time and focuses on making shots. His mind is at a totally different level, trying to win an NBA championship."

What was the most fun aspect of his three days in D.C.? Without hesitation, Hield said playing 5-on-5 against Durant, "getting up and down the floor and getting buckets against his team."

"I think I stacked up pretty well," he added. "You know me; I'm never going to discredit myself. But I'm just trying to keep working hard and be the best."

He'll have the chance to take another step forward this week in Las Vegas.

NICE GESTURE

As a participant in the Kevin Durant Skills Academy, Hield received several items of Nike gear, including two pairs of KD basketball shoes, shirts, five pairs of socks and some additional workout attire.

But Hield said the only item he kept was one pair of shoes.

"I gave everything else to my (OU) teammates," he said. "I feel like they're the reason I got to go to KD's camp. Me wearing all that fancy stuff wouldn't look good. My teammates should be part of that, too; like if I'm there then they're there, too."

Hield said he didn't receive enough items to make sure all of his current teammates received something.

"I had to take care of the guys from last year's team first, but hopefully I can fix up the new guys with some stuff from LeBron's camp."

Fellow junior guard Isaiah Cousins, who is Hield's roommate, was the recipient of the other pair of Durant shoes.

/// SoonerSports PR

Continue Reading →

Season tickets are on sale beginning July 7 for the 2014 University of Oklahoma volleyball season. For the first time, reserved seating at McCasland Field House is available to season ticket holders.

Reserved tickets go for $75, while general admission is offered at $50. The letterwinner, youth and senior citizen season tickets are priced at $40 each. Reserved seat season ticket holders will receive the prime seats in McCasland in the chair back section at mid-court across from the scorer’s table.

Tickets can be purchased online by heading to the volleyball page of SoonerSports.com or by calling the OU ticket office at (405) 325-2424 or toll free at (800) 456-GoOU. Single match tickets will go on sale August 20.

/// SoonerSports PR

Continue Reading →

The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department announced Monday that the Sooners’ home football contests against Tennessee (Sept. 13) and Oklahoma State (Dec. 6) are sold out.

OU Football season-ticket holders may still purchase single-game tickets for the remaining home games against Louisiana Tech (Aug. 30), Kansas State (Oct. 18), Baylor (Nov. 8) and Kansas (Nov. 22) before they go on sale to the general public on July 15.

Tickets that go on sale will be available based on returned inventory from opposing team allotments and will be sold throughout the season as supplies allow. Single-game tickets can be purchased online at SoonerSports.com, via phone at (405) 325-2424 or toll-free (800) 456-GoOU or in person at the Ticket Office located in the Asp Avenue Parking Facility.

Continue Reading →

Former Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray experienced several firsts last season for the Dallas Cowboys, but according to the former Oklahoma running back, that is only the beginning.

Murray, 26, a 2011 third-round draft pick, established career highs with 1,121 yards rushing and nine touchdowns, plus 53 catches for 350 yards and one TD.

And when San Francisco’s Frank Gore had to bow out of the Pro Bowl with an injury, Murray stepped in.

Continue Reading →

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops was in Utah Thursday morning to speak to participants and their parents at the All-Poly Camp at Clearfield High. He also took time to talk about former Sooners quarterback Kendal Thompson, who transferred to Utah and will be immediately eligible after graduating early.

“I’m excited for Kendal. I saw him just a week ago and he said he was on his way out here,” Stoops said. “We all love him back in Oklahoma and appreciate his hard work and are excited that he has the opportunity.”

Continue Reading →

Head coach Bob Stoops announced that wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham has joined the University of Oklahoma football roster. Under NCAA rules, Green-Beckham, who signed his financial aid agreement Wednesday, can immediately enroll in classes and begin team activities. He would be eligible to compete in games for the Sooners beginning in 2015.

“We are pleased to welcome Dorial to the University of Oklahoma, where he is excited to continue his education and resume his playing career,” Stoops said. “Dorial understands the privilege and responsibilities of representing the Oklahoma Football program. He is a talented young man who is eager to get to work with the rest of our team in the classroom and on the field.”

Continue Reading →

Former Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham is in Norman on Thursday visiting the Sooners, sources close to the football team confirmed.

During his visit, he won’t be meeting with Sooners coach Bob Stoops, who is out of town on vacation. Wide recievers coach Jay Norvell and co-offensive coordinator Josh Heupel are both in town.

Green-Beckham was kicked off the Tigers after last season when he was investigated for a burglary in which he allegedly pushed a woman down several stairs at an apartment in Columbia. Green-Beckham was not charged in the incident.

Continue Reading →

One of the most popular traditions surrounding the OU football program, Meet the Sooners Day, will be held Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014 at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. This annual, free event kicks off preseason practice and gives University of Oklahoma fans a unique opportunity to interact with their favorite players and coaches.

This year’s event falls on a Saturday for a fourth consecutive year, a decision that was influenced by summer school dates. While OU appreciates the tremendous support offered by Sooners fans of all ages, in order to accommodate as many young fans as possible, Meet the Sooners Day will again be offered to children ages 14 and younger. Each child may be accompanied by a maximum of one adult, but adults will not be permitted to submit items for autographs.

Each child may bring one item to be signed, and there will be no exceptions.

Continue Reading →

Former Oklahoma center and current Tennessee Titans rookie Gabe Ikard will conduct private lessons with offensive linemen throughout July while he’s back home in Oklahoma City.

“I am making the most of my time off in the month of July,” Ikard said in an email. “I am conducting these private lessons in order to teach young linemen the knowledge that I have acquired over my football career. My goal is teach them the importance of proper and safe technique, hard work, and a positive attitude.

Continue Reading →

University of Oklahoma women’s tennis head coach David Mullins has announced the hiring of Vincent “Boomer” Saia as assistant coach Wednesday.

Saia replaces associate head coach Cristina Moros, who has decided to pursue head coaching positions.

"I am beyond excited to be a part of the OU women's tennis team,” Saia said. “My dad grew up a big OU fan and nicknamed me "Boomer" and it stuck. To be able to coach at a place that I was nicknamed after is a dream realized.

Continue Reading →

Oklahoma Football and official OU Athletics apparel sponsor Nike unveiled a new addition to the school’s uniform repertoire on Tuesday. These additional jersey-pants-helmet combinations were inspired by the rich heritage of the state of Oklahoma and the Sooners’ storied football history. These new uniforms will occasionally supplement the traditional OU home and road uniforms the team has sported for decades and will continue to utilize on a regular basis.

“The players are excited about them,” said head coach Bob Stoops, who joins predecessors Bennie Owen, Bud Wilkinson and Barry Switzer to form the only coaching quartet of 100-game winners at a single college football program. “It’s always positive to relate back to Bud Wilkinson’s era with the longest winning streak in college football history and three national championships. These uniforms give us a chance to do that.”

Nike’s white helmet design pays tribute to Wilkinson’s squads that captured national championships in 1950, 1955 and 1956. Those Oklahoma teams wore white headgear with a signature crimson stripe from crown to base. The latest version of this helmet concept includes a similar crimson stripe (embedded with a wood-grained pattern), as well as the addition of an officially-sized OU logo on each side.

Continue Reading →

University of Oklahoma infielder Sheldon Neuse (Fort Worth, Texas) earned his second Freshman All-America honor of the year as he was named the third baseman of the Baseball America Freshman All-America First Team. He was previously included on the Collegiate Baseball News Freshman All-America Team presented by Louisville Slugger.

Neuse, the lone representative from the Big 12 on the first team, has split his summer between the San Luis Obispo Blues and the Team USA Collegiate National Team.

Continue Reading →

According to multiple sources, Philadelphia Eagles starting right tackle and former Oklahoma star Lane Johnson has tested positive for PEDS and will be suspended the first four games of the NFL season.

The Eagles organization has yet to comment on the situation and the specific performance enhancing drug has not been released.

Continue Reading →