Oklahoma State HC shows he isn’t taking Ollie Gordon situation seriously

Gundy is far from the first head coach to seemingly side with keeping one of the most talented players on the field instead of attempting to teach the student-athlete a lesson. It remains to be seen if Gordon will receive any punishment, but suspending the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year would’ve sent a clear message.

The junior All-American was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence on the morning of June 30. He gave a “formal apology Monday and said Tuesday that he couldn’t elaborate on specifics because of legal reasons,” according to a report by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Per a News 9 report, Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers said Gordon had a blood alcohol content of .11 and .10 when tested at the jail. According to the report, an officer pulled him over once, catching him speeding and driving recklessly.

“The trooper who pulled Gordon over spotted a half-full bottle of vodka and a half-full bottle of tequila,” per the report.

According to Thamel’s report, Gundy told Gordon, “Your punishment is going to be facing the facts. That’s why we brought him here today.”

Gundy added that the nation’s leading rusher in 2023 will be on a “shorter leash” after the arrest.

“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. And, hopefully, more than football, you can learn from the situation you’ve been in,'” Gundy said. “Because if not, then we have a real issue.”

The three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year said his star tailback is “very fortunate that he was able to get out of that situation without anyone getting hurt.”

Per Thamel’s report, Gordon said that he has a meeting scheduled with Gundy in Stillwater, Oklahoma, after the team’s media days have concluded.

“Whatever he decides,” Gordon said regarding a possible punishment, “I back it a hundred percent.”