PAGE 2C Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield arrested in Fayetteville.
FAYETTEVILLE — Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield has been arrested and charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Mayfield, a Heisman Trophy finalist last year and a two-time winner of the Brandon Burlsworth Award for the top player who started his career as a walkon, was booked into the Washington County jail after first walking, then running away and being tackled by an officer following an altercation near Fayetteville’s Dickson Street early Saturday morning, police said.
A preliminary police report said an intoxicated Mayfield first told an officer he was trying to break up an altercation, but later “was yelling profanities and causing a scene” while the officer questioned another man. After Mayfield was tackled, he refused to put his arms behind his back and was eventually forced into handcuffs before being arrested, police said.
Oklahoma spokesman Michael Houck said the school is aware of the incident.
Mayfield is known for his emotional demeanor and outgoing personality. He sported a horseshoe mustache during the Oklahoma State game last season that determined the Big 12 champion, saying there’s a new sheriff in town as a dig at the rival school’s Cowboy mascot. He also wore a shirt under his uniform proclaiming the Sooners the 2016 conference champions during the game, which the Sooners won 38-20.
Mayfield finished third in the Heisman balloting last year, and he set the FBS record for passing efficiency. He led the Sooners to a victory over Auburn in the Sugar Bowl and was the game’s MVP after passing for 296 yards and two touchdowns. In his best game of the season, he passed for 545 yards and seven touchdowns in a 66-59 victory over Texas Tech.
Two years ago, Mayfield finished fourth in the Heisman balloting and led the Sooners to the College Football Playoff.