Stoops confirms OU won't try to benefit from USC's penalties
Published: 6/30/2010 12:34 AM
Last Modified: 6/30/2010 12:34 AM
A couple weeks ago, I applauded the vast majority of Oklahoma football fans for being sensible.
No, they said, we don't want any part of the 2004 national championship should USC be forced to vacate that title. Not after the 55-19 wedgie the Trojans gave us in the Orange Bowl.
If the AP or BCS trophies are removed from SC's Heritage Hall, they said, put them in permanent storage. Or give them to Auburn. We only accept championships that are earned.
Well, the AP has since decided not to cast a new '04 ballot. The Trojans may lose victories, scholarships and bowl games over their scandal, but they'll be keeping the AP national title.
The BCS has decided to wait until the appeals process plays out before making its move. And the longer it takes for that to happen, the easier it is for itchy Sooner fans to start eyeing the BCS prize.
For dignity's sake, I'm hoping those fans hold the line. That they come to their senses even if the BCS championship is taken from the Trojans. That they take this cue from Bob Stoops, who was asked about the situation during his annual summertime visit to alma mater Cardinal Mooney in Youngstown, Ohio.
From the Youngstown Vindicator: "Asked how (the NCAA's USC) decision impacts Oklahoma’s record, Stoops said, 'I don’t know what it does, but it doesn’t much matter. We’re not claiming anything so (the BCS title) would just be void, I guess.'"
The four magic words, again: "We're not claiming anything."
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
