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Ollie Gordon was arrested for DUI just days before the Big 12’s annual media event. Despite that lapse of judgement, head coach Mike Gundy allowed him to make the trip to Las Vegas as the Cowboys preview the upcoming season.
Furthermore, he said that Gordon won’t be suspended for his infraction as Oklahoma State plans on handling the situation “internally.”
Gordon rushed for a nation-leading 1,732 yards last year to go along with 21 scores.
That production forced Oklahoma State to fight to keep him in Stillwater, fending off tampering programs hoping to lure the running back away. The Cowboys succeeded in doing so, and now will have their crown jewel in the backfield this fall.
He was named the Doak Walker award winner at season’s end, a title he’d planned on defending in 2024. It doesn’t appear he’ll have any roadblocks in terms of playing time.
The rusher was arrested on suspicion of DUI earlier this offseason. Oklahoma State became aware of the situation, though it wouldn’t release immediate comment on the arrest.
On Tuesday, with the team headed to Sin City for Big 12 Media Day, Mike Gundy opened up on how he expects things to play out moving forward.
Ollie Gordon won’t miss any action.
Instead, the Cowboys will deal with punishment in a different way.
Mike Gundy to ESPN on Ollie Gordon: “He’s going to play.” He said OSU will discuss internal punishment for Gordon, but he’s not going to miss any games. He said OSU decided to bring Gordon to Big 12 media day to be accountable for his actions in the wake of his DUI arrest.
-Pete Thamel, ESPN // X: @PeteThamel
“I’m going to do what we think is best for Oklahoma State football,” the head coach said. “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.”
The thought process behind allowing the rusher to join his team in Las Vegas was to make him accountable for his actions. He’ll likely field more than a few questions on the arrest.
Still, many believe he got off with a slap on the wrist. Here was what folks had to say on social media.
“AKA, they gave him too much to come back for him to miss games on a suspension. Makes sense but probably a bad look for OSU.”
“Gets DUI and rewarded with a trip to Vegas. Ridiculous!”
“What kind of culture is Gundy allowing in Stillwater?”
Gordon’s punishment may also consist of some extra time in the gym, and potentially some community service. OSU won’t have to worry about not having him in the starting lineup, though. In fact, he’ll he may even land more playing time!