“Holy cow","ridiculous": Oklahoma State fans turning heads over Ollie Gordon II’s comeback statement from Mike Gundy
Ollie Gordon II will be playing for Oklahoma State from the beginning of next season, Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy has confirmed. Gordon II was arrested for driving under the influence on June 30, which some expected would force Oklahoma State to suspend him for some games.
On the contrary, Mike Gundy decided to bring him to attend the Big 12 media and provided the following explanation for the decision not to suspend him:
"He's going to play, I'm going to do what we think is best for Oklahoma State football. And I think it's best for Ollie to play. If there's any punishment, it's making him carry the ball 50 times in the first game"
He also told the media that he reiterated to Gordon II that facing the media and the public would be his punishment:
"Your punishment is going to be facing the facts, that's why we brought him here today... I said, 'You're not going into hiding. You're going to face the music, you're going to have to stand up and talk to people and answer questions."
Several fans seemed to agree that this was a ridiculous way to punish a player, with one stating:
"Hilarious, ridiculous and totally on brand"
Others did demonstrate an ability to continue to be surprised by Mike Gundy:
"Holy cow what a statement from Mike Gundy"
In general, fans disagreed over Gundy's handling of the situation.
"Gundy should be fired" another fan added.
"DUI HC makes a light joke about it… this coach ought to be suspended WRONG MESSAGE to kids," one fan said.
What were Ollie Gordon II's achievements in the 2023 season?
Ollie Gordon II was the key piece of the Cowboys in 2023, which could be the most likely explanation for Mike Gundy's refusal to sit the player. In 2023, his sophomore year, Gordon II ran for 1732 yards and scored 21 rushing touchdowns.
He won several prestigious accolades, like the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, the Doak Walker Award, a unanimous All-American selection, and a First Team All-Big 12 selection.
Ollie Gordon II was instrumental in helping Oklahoma State get a 10-4 overall record with a No. 16 AP Poll finish. The Cowboys reached the Big 12 championship game, where they fell to the Texas Longhorns and defeated Texas A&M at the Texas Bowl.