Bomar Out at OU
13 comments so far
August 3, 2006 by
Rhett Bomar has played his last game as an Oklahoma Sooner. Having been caught getting what the NCAA would surely deem an "improper benefit" for a student athlete (in the form of $18,000 for a 5-hour-a-week job), the sophomore quarterback has been kicked off of the Sooner football team. Bomar was expected to start after breaking the school's freshman record for passing yards last season. Sophomore guard J.D. Quinn was also dismissed from the team.
I realize this isn't technically Husker news, but it certainly is Big 12 news. And while they Huskers aren't scheduled to play their crimson cousin from the south, many prognosticators had the Sooners and Huskers slated to meet for the Big 12 title. Bomar's dismissal from the team raises serious concerns for Oklahoma on the field. In my opinion, it also potentially raises questions about the program off the field.
Where do the Sooners go from here?
At quarterback, the options seem a bit limited. Paul Thompson tops the list of candidates, having actually won the job over Bomar in 2005. But, his performance (11-26 for 109 yards and an INT) merited being replaced just one game in to the season. He has since switched to wide receiver where he spent much of last season and this spring.
OU also has a junior college QB in the fold. Joey Halzle threw for 2000+ yards and 13 TDs in 10 games of junior college ball last season. Though, I've heard reports that he didn't exactly look great in the Sooners' spring game. After that they have true freshman Sam Bradford and walk-on player Hays McEachern.
What does this potentially mean for their season?
Well, I don't think they are considered the popular pick to win the South division anymore. In fact, Bomar's development was said to be one of the factors on which their season hinged. Saying Adrian Peterson will be asked to carry more of the load is an understatement. But, absent somebody to run the offense well and get the ball out to a very promising receiving corps, defenses will surely key on Peterson. It's not hyperbole to suggest this will cost them wins, and could cost Peterson his shot at the Heisman trophy.
However, OU might have enough pieces in place this season to find a way to fight through this. Their defense has the potential to be absolutely lights out. And Peterson is the closest thing to Bo Jackson I've ever seen. Their improved receivers might help out a shaky QB by making good grabs. They could be the kind of team that goes out and wins a lot of games 17-3, or 24-10. Of course, if they did that, it means Peterson gets 200+ yards rushing per game and earns that Heisman after all. The psychology will be interesting to watch here. Does Stoops rally his guys to fight through this adversity, have his D and his horse of a running back take the team on their shoulders? I wouldn't bet against it.
What's happening off the field?
Bomar's improper benefit came in the form of a job for which he was overpaid. The job was at Big Red Sports/Imports in Norman. This is the same dealership that gave Peterson a pretty fishy deal on a car, creating an investigation last spring. Peterson was given a car and allowed to drive it for several weeks, but then returned it after it was scrutinized closely. I've heard the whole thing characterized as an "extended test drive." Whatever. It is also the same dealership the OU athletic department uses for their car program for coaches and administrators (called the Sooner Schooner program, kind of cute). Here is my question -- Why the heck doesn't the OU athletic department distance themselves from this dealership?! I mean, jeez, the shady dealings with the star RB might have been a good tip to do something. But now, it's really bitten them in the butt.
Amateurs!
Look, I know this kind of stuff happens in a lot of places. And, as fans we just want to imagine that it doesn't. And, I think the whole NCAA-fueled notion of "amateurism" in America today is a sham. Big time college athletes are used to generate millions in revenue for their schools. But, that doesn't change the fact that "improper benefits" are still the thing that can most quickly and surely tank a season or a program.
Whether it is losing a player for a season, getting probation, or even the "death penalty" (SMU), everybody should fear the NCAA. This stuff isn't "cancer" for your program. It is a swift execution - NCAA style, baby. Don't agree? Just look at the laundry list of players from teams around the country who were suspended for one or two games for some very serious things. But, even a whiff of "improper benefits" and you are finished. This whole mess should serve notice to administrators everywhere to clean up any messes, and keep the boosters from running amok with their athletes.
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Richard Huggins Aug 03 06
Big Red Sports and Imports has been under new ownership since April. The new owners had zero to do with this. Also, they did not get physical possession of the employee records regarding Bomar and Quinn. Further, they have never and presently do not employ any OU athletes or staff. Lastly, at the time they bought the dealership they knew nothing of this situation.
The above facts are contained an broadcast interview, filmed August 2, with the present owners. You and anyone can view and hear this interview firsthand for themselves on the website of the Daily Oklahoman at http://www.newsok.com. As expected there is much coverage and several video clips available, but look at the ones filed August 2.
One could argue that even given the above facts OU should distance itself from even what would be an undeserved stigma caused by the dealership's name. That's for others to decide, but any implication that something is rotten with OU's internal controls should be squelched by the fact that OU itself investigated and reported this, that Stoops himself issued a straightforward and very decisive comment about it and that OU swiftly kicked off their most key element in a quest for another conference or national championship.
darren Aug 03 06
Richard,
Thank you for the comments and clarifications. Things are always much clearer at "ground level", in this case the local Norman news.
Regardless of the ownership change, the name Big Red Sports and Imports now could get a very negative perception nationally, fair or not. OU still needs to run (not walk) away from those folks. The same could be true for the phrase "directed reading courses" at Auburn. Some things just catch with the public.
About any OU's internal controls - the investigation and statement are all post hoc. The very fact that this happened is what creates the suspicion. That doesn't go away because of the reaction.
I agree that the school and coach showed great integrity with the investigation and by taking decisive action. But, that's still a damage control move, in my opinion. They're trying to cut the NCAA off at the pass. Many schools self report infractions out of self preservation.
Steve Aug 03 06
You have to feel for the Sooner fans. Imagine how excited they must have been back in 2004 when they landed THE top quarterback recruit in the country. Now, to lose him to something like this right before the season has got to hurt.
Paul Thompson is not a bad option, but he's only got a year left. None of their alternatives after that seems nearly as promising as Bomar.
Richard Huggins Aug 03 06
I have to agree with you that even with Snow White on the team (gee, what a visual image!) a college would do well to double, yea triple check, such things as employment arrangements, especially with a known booster. I think the actual mechanics of doing this would be quite hard, but with the stakes being what they are...well, 'nuff said. And face it--OU has to do more than the average school.
I would, though, point out that Stoops used the word "intentions" in his first statement. I think he was telegraphing that these players did certain things that were attempts to hide or mask evidence of their participation, and tha at least suggests that there may have been controls that these players tried to circumvent.
Man oh man...what a bonehead decision. A golden road to fame and fortune potholed over what---$18,000?? Obviously the young man wasn't anwhere near the maturity of Josh Heuple or Jason White when they were the same age.
Spencer Tang Aug 03 06
I find the whole situation hilarious , but I have a cruel sense of humour and enjoy seeing OU suffer , especially when their star quarterback will no longer be among them. There went OU's chances of winning the Big 12 this year...now go Huskers , win the Big 12 and smash Texas.
Annie Aug 03 06
Don't the coaches find jobs for their "star" players? How did Rhett get this job? Did the dealership come looking for him, or was he referred by a coach? Everyone is so concerned about the team and the school, has anyone stopped to think about what Rhett is going through? Yes he made a really stupid mistake, but basically everything he's been working towards for his whole life is over 1 month after his 21st birthday. I just feel for him and his whole family. What will he do now? I hope his a lesson to be learned for all potential stars out there. But you still can't help feel for this "kid" and what he's going through.
Katie Aug 03 06
I agree Annie. I think back to all the stupid mistakes I made in college. WOW!
Rhett will look back and really regret this decision. It's too bad that boosters (adults) even put this kid in that situation.
On the other hand, that's why he would have "some day" made the big bucks! In some respects, Reggie Bush and Vince Young are getting paid for staying out of trouble in college. Afterall, they are getting paid millions and have not played one down of professional football.
Rhett made a bad decision, very immature, but weren't we all at age 21?
Steve Aug 03 06
No doubt this decision will cost Bomar, but I'm not sure things are over for him yet. If the Cowboys were willing to take a shot at Drew Henson, there may be an NFL team willing to make a long-term project out of this guy.
10 TD's against 10 Int's isn't going to make him first day draft material. But he could go late or catch on as an NFL free agent somewhere. He only needs another year to be draft-eligible, I believe.
Tim Aug 03 06
Screw Rhett Bomar. The dumba** has done nothing but make bad choices since he arrived at OU. How many minor in possesion of alcohol arrests? Three court appearances. Did the coaches buy his beer? He deserves to work at McDonalds for the rest of his life. He flushed the possibility of millions of dollars in the NFL for $18,000. Only a moron would feel sorry for this guy. That's like feeling sorry for a Nebraska running back after he raped a woman. Get your head out of your a**. He knew the rules and he knew he was breaking them. Now he is being held accountable for it. I think OU made the right choice. I have to wonder if Texas or USC would have the integrity to drop their star players in the same situation.
Darren Aug 03 06
Wow. Why don't you just tell us how you really feel, Tim?
Annie Aug 04 06
What about Peterson driving a Lexus for several weeks? I bet he took it back when Stoops got wind of it. That's when Stoops should have taken some iniative and checked into all the players working at that dealership, especially his stars.I read that the "compliance team" can't take care of all their players, but take care of the players you need to win a championship. FYI, Bomar never held a job before in his life, why was he working at all? His family is not destitute and surely would have sent money. Bomar never drank a sip of alcohol in high school. He wouldn't even drink sodas, just milk, juice and gatorade. He couldn't even bounce on a trampoline for fear of an injury. So he goes to college, and gets a little crazy being out from under the watchful eye of his dad. Yes, Stoops should have taken much better care of his QB. If people don't think that many, many players take gifts from the boosters, they have their heads buried in the sand. I dare the NCAA to go to any top 10 rated school and look at what not only what the players are driving, but what kinds of TV's and X Box's they have. Boosters have been known to put cash in lockers and players have been rewarded with cash after bowl games. C'mon people, wake up!
Ron Aug 04 06
People keep saying Bomar could "transfer" to another school and be eligible to play in 2007. He was kicked out of OU and told he could never come back. So how is that a "transfer?" Wouldn't a transfer be a choice? Bomar is not choosing to leave the team voluntarily, he has no choice, he has to leave. I'd love to see him go play for UT.
Katie Aug 04 06
Tim:
Wow! Strong feelings on this. I agree that he should have consequences for his actions. I also think OU was right to kick him off the team. He will regret doing this in a couple years.
However, I was merely pointing out that we all make mistakes (especially in college). I believe there are other parties that should be accountable in this situation (boosters, coaches, etc). I would hardly compare making $18,000 a year a job to raping a woman.... They are not the same thing. He took some money, did not physically harm anyone.
He had to learn the hard way and on some levels set an example. I am sure "the" programs all over the nation are making sure their tracks are covered.
Good Luck to OU. I am sure they will be just fine!
GO BIG RED!!!