OU disciplines Mayfield
NORMAN—Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield’s court punishment hasn’t been released yet for his February arrest in Arkansas for multiple misdemeanor counts.
But his team punishment has been decided and, even more surprisingly, announced.
The OU Athletics Department announced Thursday that Mayfield will have to participate in university alcohol education as well as perform 35 hours of community service.
That punishment will be on top of whatever court-ordered punishment is issued stemming from his Feb. 25 arrest in Fayetteville, Arkansas for disorderly conduct, fleeing and resisting arrest.
His arrest was captured by two dashcams and released in the days following the incident.
Some of Mayfield’s community service for OU will involve working with law enforcement, according to the department’s release.
“As I stated earlier, I could not be more disappointed in my actions and the embarrassment they caused for my university and team,” Mayfield said in a release. “I am anxious to fulfill the responsibilities that have been set and am continuing to dedicate myself to the high standard that everyone rightfully expects from someone in my position.”
Oklahoma typically does not release details of internal punishment, but broke with that precedent in this case, likely because of Mayfield’s prominent role on the team.
Mayfield was a Heisman Trophy finalist a year ago and came close to earning an invite to New York City the year before when he led the Sooners to the College Football Playoff.
“Baker has expressed regret for his actions and backed up his apology by being a model leader in our program,” Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley said in a release. “He has learned from his mistake and will continue to grow from it. The coaching staff and team has every confidence in him going forward.”