As a graduate of The University of Oklahoma I believe I am entitled to comment on the recent display of boorish, classless behavior of OU quarterback, Baker Mayfield.
In case you missed it, Mayfield - upset that Kansas players refused to shake his hand before the coin toss - decided to take his normal behavior of trash talking and wild celebrations to another level during OU's recent beating of the Jayhawks.
On the sidelines, where ESPN cameras were zeroed in on Mayfield, he grabbed his crotch - more than once - and yelled "F&$#@ You!" - more than once towards the Kansas sideline.
Lovely.
How nice for the millions of kids and moms and dads and other humans to get to watch this kid mimic the worst of the sports underclass by carrying on like a fool.
Unfortunately for all of us who enjoy sports Mayfield's antics are merely a symptom of a "look at me" disease that has swept through professional, college and even youth sports.
Sportsmanship is out. Vulgar, prideful displays are in.
Dropping the hammer on stupid behavior is out. Sensitivity is in.
If you don't believe, watch this clip of OU coach Lincoln Riley discussing Mayfield after the Kansas game.
Let me see if I can get this clear in my mind.
Your quarterback embarrasses everyone connected with your university and you take the stage to cry about how important he is?
Mr. Riley, allow a 51-year old man (and coach) to assist you here.
How about taking the stage and announcing that Mayfield is suspended for the entire West Virginia game and that the next OU player who humiliates the program will be gone. How about telling the sports world that while Mayfield is forgiven, it is time to END this type of garbage even if it means losing a game and losing the Heisman trophy for this talented, but immature young man?
Too often these days parents, teachers, coaches and other "adults" in authority excuse the behavior of nitwits instead of changing behavior with tough love.
Sitting Mayfield for a few plays will not help him get the message.
Lincoln Riley needs to "man up" and his player become a man.
