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Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman was in Dallas this week for SEC Media Days. While there, the defender took an immediate shot at archrival Texas.
The Sooners and Longhorns are taking part in their first SEC media event after making the move to the league this offseason. Bowman is excited about the departure from the Big 12 for one reason in particular.
In his previous conference, Oklahoma players using the “Horns Down” hand gesture would be penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. It was a rule implemented by the Big 12 in order to protect Texas from on-field ridicule as the sign came to be the go-to form of Longhorn disrespect.
That won’t be the case in the SEC.
While there is a possibility of being flagged for using the signal, not every instance will result in an unsportsmanlike offense. Each “Horns Down” will be judged on case-by-case basis, meaning players can exploit the rule to their own benefit!
From SEC coordinator of officials John McDaid:
“Unsportsmanlike conduct needs to fit 1 of 3 categories: Is it taunting an opponent? Is it making a travesty of the game? Is it otherwise compromising our ability to manage the game? There’s a difference between a player giving a signal directly in face of an opponent, as opposed to doing it with teammates celebrating after a touchdown or on the sideline. To net all that out, every single occurrence is not an act of unsportsmanlike conduct.”
McDaid further clarified at SEC Media Days this week.
SEC coordinator of officials John McDaid on how the conference will legislate the Horns Down hand gesture pic.twitter.com/fSpRFB2OnB
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) July 16, 2024
The coordinator of officials referenced the “Gator Chomp” and “Landshark Fin” as examples that are already seen in the SEC. The conference won’t cater to the Longhorns!
Billy Bowman is ready to throw “Horns Down” after being restricted last year.
So long as the act isn’t done directly at an opponent, it’s fair game!
Bowman was asked about the gesture while speaking to the media Tuesday. It’s safe to say he’s eager to disrespect his rival on the field next season.
“It shouldn’t be a penalty, anyways. Everybody has a hand signal. If you let a hand signal effect you and effect the game, maybe you shouldn’t be there. Allowing us to use the ‘Horns Down,’ that’s cool… If it can’t be a part of the game, that’s pretty soft.”
-OU Safety Billy Bowman
The safety simultaneously threw both Texas and the Big 12 under the bus with a single comment.
Oklahoma appears SEC ready. Expect to see “Horns Down” early and often in 2024!