The Sooners were wise to make King captain
Published: 8/24/2012 7:32 AM
Last Modified: 8/24/2012 7:32 AM
The week began with David King being chosen as Oklahoma defensive captain by his teammates. I was a little surprised. I sort of figured senior cornerback Demontre Hurst would get the nod. Maybe Tom Wort or Casey Walker.
Then King said something after practice Tuesday night, and it began to make a lot more sense. It had to do with OU's problems toward the end of the 2011 season:
"A big part of that OSU game – give props to them they came out and put it on us – but we had a lot of guys missing classes and being suspended from practice. You're not able to get that full game week in. I don’t feel like we went into that game ready or as prepared as we should have been. And it showed, right off the bat.
"I mean. I’m trying to preach to the guys, especially the guys up front, 'Be where you should be on time with who you should be with. Don't be late. Don't be missing classes. Don't be missing academic appointments and don't be doing dumb stuff off the field that's going to affect you on the field and put you in an unfortunate situation."
It was an issue then. It was an issue last spring, when four of King's teammates were suspended. Judging by the recent suspension of defensive tackle Stacy McGee, it is an issue now. King, at least, is trying to do something about it.
It's what captains do.
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
