Punch won't sideline OU's Tyrus Thompson for Cotton Bowl
BY GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer
Friday, December 07, 2012
12/07/12 at 5:56 AM
NORMAN - It appears Tyrus Thompson's punching TCU defensive end Stansly Maponga won't cost him a chance to play in the Cotton Bowl.
In an email to the Tulsa World Thursday afternoon, Big 12 Conference associate commissioner Bob Burda confirmed that the conference initiated a review of the play from Oklahoma's victory over TCU last Saturday, and determined no further disciplinary action was necessary.
Thompson, OU's starting right tackle the past two games, was assessed a 15-yard personal foul penalty after he was caught punching the side of Maponga's helmet during a play late in the first half. As Landry Jones threw incomplete, Thompson blocked the TCU defensive end, pinned him to the turf and threw a punch before getting to his feet.
The Sooners were penalized, but Thompson was allowed to remain in the game. The next play, Jones threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Saunders to give OU a 14-7 halftime lead.
Asked about the situation after the game, OU coach Bob Stoops said: "What situation? A lot of guys get penalties called on them."
Stoops could still punish Thompson for the incident, but given the Big 12's review it is unlikely he would hold Thompson out of the Jan. 4 Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M.
Williams replaced Daryl Williams at right tackle after Williams sprained his knee during OU's victory at West Virginia Nov. 17. Stoops said at the time Williams could return for a bowl game.
Thompson also started OU's victories over Iowa State and Baylor in place of injured left tackle Lane Johnson.
Whoever starts at tackle in the Cotton Bowl will have his hands full. Texas A&M's Damontre Moore is one of six finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award given annually to the nation's top defensive end. He has 12 1/2 sacks and 20 tackles for lost yardage to rank second and third, respectively, in the NCAA.
Original Print Headline: Punch will not sideline OU's Thompson
Guerin Emig 918-581-8355
guerin.emig@tulsaworld.com
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