OSU assistant has talked to his former boss several times.

STILLWATER -- Sean Sutton's 17-year affiliation with the Oklahoma State University basketball program ended Tuesday.

Asked Wednesday how Sutton is doing, Cowboy assistant James Dickey said he has spoken with the former coach several times.

"I have been there, so I know what he is going through and some of the things that he is feeling and the concern that you have for your family," said Dickey, who was fired at Texas Tech in 2001, five years after guiding the Red Raiders to a school-record 30 victories.

"He just knows that I am there to check on him and help him in any way possible, but Sean is strong. He is positive.

"He is going to do the right thing for himself and for his family and he is going to need a little time and we're going to try to give him that space that he needs. But there are a lot of people that are thinking about him and they care about him and we are here to help in any way we can."

Athletic director Mike Holder chose to make a coaching change only two years into Sutton's head coaching career.

Sutton has three years remaining on his contract and terms of the settlement won't be known until later in the week or perhaps next week, according to OSU spokesman Gary Shutt.

Asked if Sutton will coach again, Dickey said he has known the 39-year-old Sutton for 27 years and he has always been coaching.

"I am not going to speak for him, but he loves coaching and when you go through this type of situation, I am sure he will take some time to kind of clear his thoughts and see what he really wants to do. But if something should come up immediately, he will know in his heart if that's the right thing to do or not."

Dickey said Sutton has appealed to OSU players to continue doing what they are supposed to be doing and Dickey said Sutton wanted to let players know much he appreciated their effort and how much he cared for them.

Jimmie Tramel 581-8389
jimmie.tramel@tulsaworld.com