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Bradford OK with Sims
Sims says he's sorry for shouting 'Boomer!' during presentation.

VOCAL SIMS
Billy Sims: Shouted "Boomer" 11 times during Saturday's Heisman trophy presentation.
 
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 12/16/2008  2:27 AM
Last Modified: 12/16/2008  3:09 AM

 NEW YORK — On the biggest night of his life, Sam Bradford had a message for Billy Sims.

"I love Billy," Bradford said.

Bradford was formally welcomed into the Heisman family Monday night during a black-tie banquet at the New York Hilton in midtown Manhattan. Bradford, the 73rd winner of college football's most prestigious award, was moved by the presence of 20 previous Heisman winners, by his acceptance into one of the sports world's greatest fraternities, by his new place in the universe.

Throughout the four-hour event, he stared at his trophy, spoke at length with Heisman Trust president William Dockery and, for a few minutes, was a little kid again while chatting it up with NHL legend Pat LaFontaine, who was presented the Heisman Humanitarian Award for his work with sick children.

But afterward, Bradford wanted OU fans who were upset by Sims' overtures on Saturday night — 11 times he shouted "Boomer!" after Bradford was announced this year's winner — to chill out.

Radio shows and message boards were lit up Monday with complaints that Sims' antics — the same antics he used at Jason White's announcement in 2003 — detracted from Bradford's moment, that Sims' uncontrolled shouts embarrassed himself, Bradford and the university.

No way, Bradford said.

"I didn't feel like he took anything in any way away from me," Bradford said Monday during a VIP post-party reception. "I think he made my moment even more special by sharing the traditions of the university with me as I accepted the award. So I had absolutely no problem whatsoever with Billy yelling 'Boomer.' "

During the banquet, Sims served for the third year in a row as auctioneer of a football signed by 26 Heisman winners (the ball was sold for $25,000). But before he began, Sims spoke in hushed tones about his performance Saturday.

"I've been getting some bad press," he said. "I apologize to the Bradford family and the Heisman Trust if I crossed a boundary. But, there's no way I'd try to upstage your son's day.

"I love the university so much," he said, choking back tears. "I try to be a spokesman for them. And I will continue to be myself and let people know about the great state of Oklahoma. And I will never, ever stop saying 'Boomer Sooner,' regardless of who don't like it."

At that, a shout of "Boomer!" rose from the audience, and Sims shouted back, "Sooner!"

As Sims offered his apology, Kent Bradford — Sam's father, who was among Sims' blockers in 1978 and '79 — edged forward from his chair and smilingly waved Sims' apologies back at him.

"That complaint did not come from the Bradford family," Kent Bradford said later. "I want that made very clear. That apology wasn't needed. It's just Billy being Billy. He's proud of the University of Oklahoma, and that's the way he shows it."

"I honestly didn't think Billy did anything wrong, and he got up there tonight and apologized for it," Sam Bradford said. "I was kind of like, 'What are you doing? That's what you do.' He said (Boomer) tonight and no one yelled 'Sooner.' I was disappointed. I wanted to stand up and yell 'Sooner' for him."

Sims, standing behind a podium with an OU pennant draped from it, turned and looked Bradford in the eye.

"Sam," he said, "your dad and I were teammates, and he was a part of my Heisman Trophy-winning years. And that's why I am so happy for you and the University of Oklahoma."

Sanford Wurmfeld, the Heisman trustee who made Saturday's announcement, admired Sims' passion.

"If anyone thinks the Trust got to him, that's not the case," Wurmfeld said. "He's a fine gentleman. We're very proud to have him as a member of this fraternity."

The past Heisman winners sat on the front row of the dais, and other dignitaries — Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, OU athletic director Joe Castiglione among them — sat on the top row. Bradford's was the seat of honor, beside the podium and just in front of a 12-foot poster of himself.

On either side of the poster were similar shots of 1958 winner Pete Dawkins of Army and 1983 winner Mike Rozier of Nebraska. They were honored on their silver and gold anniversaries.

Dawkins, a Rhodes Scholar and retired brigadier general, spoke reverently about the Heisman tradition. He spoke on the notion of team and how at the root of a team is loyalty.

"Every one (of the winners) has come here and accepted that award on behalf of their team," he said. "The notion of team has become indelibly embedded in what the Heisman stands for.

"Sam Bradford is someone I'm convinced will carry the Heisman banner and carry it triumphantly. It's my privilege to stand here on this stage and dream that dream with him."

Afterward, Bradford sat alone in a private booth, still dressed in his black tuxedo vest and jacket, a crimson cast on his left hand and a Sharpie pen in his right. He was deeply moved by Dawkins' words.

"Obviously there's been a lot of thoughts go through my mind since I won the trophy, and I've thought about it some," he said, "but listening to him speak and talk about me carrying on some of the values and traditions that come with the Heisman, his thoughts, his confidence in me to represent the name 'Heisman Trophy Winner,' I think that probably meant more to me than anything anybody else said to me."



John E. Hoover 581-8384
john.hoover@tulsaworld.com
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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44 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Report Comment
seymore1965, Tulsa (12/16/2008 6:01:12 AM)
If you have a problem with boomer (sooner) at the Heismans, you have a problem with Sooner football, cut and dried. I think those who dislike it are either ashamed or don't like OU. I think Billy yelling boomer is really cool. He does it at all of his appearances. I look forward to hearing him. It reminds me of good times, success and being proud of OU.

This isn't an official royal event in England where everyone looks stiff with a corn cob up their something and their noses in the air. Do you like that kind of artificial put on? If you do, you can just keep on complaining about boomer. And don't go to an OU football game because you'll never shut them up.
Report Comment
GrannyTazzy, Tulsa (12/16/2008 6:17:01 AM)
I thought it was wonderful that Billy Simms has such enthusiasm for OU. I was surprised to see the negative press on him. I'm veryhappy the Bradfords took up for Billy. I've gone by the little sportswear store where Bllly signs autographs at the fair, and each year he is just so filled with Wonderfullness to put it mildly
I wish Id of been there, cause right along with Billy I'd of been yelling SOONERS!
Report Comment
Thomas Cothran, Tulsa (12/16/2008 7:02:26 AM)
I bet if any 'normal' fan was allowed at the Heisman ceremony, we'd yell "SOONER!!!" right back at Billy. We're all proud of our Sooners and Sam Bradford. That's just an easy way to show it. If any of you got a problem with what Billy did, then I don't want to hear you yell 'Boomer' or 'Sooner'. Remember, if you're a Sooner, you're a Sooner no matter where you are. BOOMER SOONER!!!
Report Comment
Marathonman, (12/16/2008 8:14:51 AM)
Those that agree with Sims' "performance" on Saturday night are likely those that will yell out at a wedding, a funeral or a graduation. Enthusiasm and passion are admirable, but there is a place for decorum as well - and that is not at the Heisman awards show. Sims came across as a clown.
Report Comment
Scritchner, Tulsa (12/16/2008 8:19:41 AM)
I hope Bradford has the same level of enthusiasm for Billy's BBQ. I know I do.
Report Comment
snoop, (12/16/2008 8:50:19 AM)
Thank you marathonman----

there is a time and place for everything, Sims is low class.

PS-Does anyone know who Billy sold his trophy to?
Report Comment
tulsaOUfan, Tulsa (12/16/2008 9:18:19 AM)
All you people who were "embarrassed" by Heisman Trophy winner Sims need to suck it up and get over yourselves. This is all much ado about nothing. You're not a true Sooner if you're embarrassed by "BOOMER SOONER"

BOOMER SOONER!!!
Report Comment
Thomas Cothran, Tulsa (12/16/2008 9:24:20 AM)
At my wedding, the groomsmen and I came out to Boomer Sooner. All the Sooner fans in attendance loved it. They started clapping in unison, as if I scored a touchdown. The time and place to be a Sooner is always. BOOMER SOONER.
Report Comment
KBarrow, (12/16/2008 9:29:40 AM)
Barry Switzer bought Billy Sims Heisman trophy.....and then gave it back to him.
I think that the Bradford family handle it the best and had the best comments. Kent and Billy were teammates....they know each other. Sims is an outgoing person.....we don't have to change him into what "we want him to be"....just accept him for who he is. I also think he probably wouldn't have said "Boomer" so many times if Stoops or Joe C. or Jason White or someone there would've responded with a "Sooner". No reason to be ashamed......passion is a good thing!
Report Comment
KC-from-OK, Deer Park (12/16/2008 10:32:01 AM)
Oklahoma University and the chant of "Boomer Sooner" are one and the same. Billy Sims can yell Boomer until the cows come home and I will never, ever, get tired of hearing it.
I am always proud of everything Oklahoma and Mr. Bradford is just more icing on our cake.
Boomer Sooner from my family dating to circa 1892.
Merry Christmas to all!!!
Report Comment
ALAMOWYOMING, CODY (12/16/2008 10:42:50 AM)
Billy Simms has earned the right to yell "Boomer" to Sam.. and Sam has earned the right to yell "Sooner" right back!
Report Comment
Big Harp, Florida (12/16/2008 11:13:15 AM)
Just Billy Preaching the Word and as everybody now knows even the Heisman Foundation acknowledges that the Sooners are the Best and there is nothing wrong with showing your enthusiasm for being the Best....BOOMER SOONER!!
Report Comment
Soonerkat, Broken Arrow (12/16/2008 11:25:52 AM)
Yes, 11 times was a little over the top but that's just Billy Sims. Billy is not "low class"! He just has a passion and love for the University of Oklahoma and shares it wherever he goes.
Report Comment
AP, Tulsa (12/16/2008 11:39:03 AM)
I was a little sad at the time because I thought that Sam would feel a little embarrassed, but Sam said he's fine with it, other Heisman winners said they're fine with it, all of OU from Bob Stoops to Barry Switzer said they're fine with it, so I'm fine with it.
Report Comment
wyleyousooner, san diego (12/16/2008 12:14:22 PM)
Most of those posting negative comments are the ones who go to football games and sit on their hands.Billy Sims is proud of the state of Oklahoma as am I. Why is this an issue if he did it last year as well? Give me a break and get off his back.
Report Comment
M_Conners, Tulsa (12/16/2008 12:18:32 PM)
Billy Sims is a cool dude. He provided BBQ for one of our disc golf events one time here in Tulsa and he showed up and signed autographs and chatted with a lot of people. Before we ate the food he yelled multiple times BOOMER! BOOMER! BOOMER!. It was awesome and I'm not even a Sooner fan.
Report Comment
boots&suites, Sapulpa (12/16/2008 12:27:47 PM)
These are the same fans that think it is okay to say "home of the sooners" instead of "home of the brave" at the end of the national anthem.

There is a time and place for everything.
Report Comment
boots&suites, Sapulpa (12/16/2008 12:28:35 PM)
AP - are all of your opinions based on what Stoops and Switzer think?
Report Comment
Big Harp, Florida (12/16/2008 12:50:58 PM)
boots&suites read the article even the Foundation didn't have a problem with it,so put down your champagne & caviar and have a beer and some barbeque and be proud to be part of the Sooner Nation!
Report Comment
The Real Joe Dolty, TULSA (12/16/2008 1:15:32 PM)
Everyone at OU from Switzer to Stoops to Bradford to White to et.al. So everyone just needs to keep your shame to yourselves. Ofter all, it's your shame, not Sooner Nation's shame.
Report Comment
AP, Tulsa (12/16/2008 2:22:09 PM)
boots -
It was Sam's night, which he tributed to his school, family, coaches, his teammates and fellow Heisman winners. Thus, if they are all fine with Billy, then I am too. It wouldn't be my place to judge if he was out of place, because it wasn't my ceremony, it was Sam's. If Sam wants "Boomer" shouted at his ceremony, fine! If I want "Boomer Sooner" played at my funeral, why should anyone else care?
Report Comment
Tulsa Photographer, Tulsa (12/16/2008 3:47:31 PM)
I love Billy. How could you not? He's a very pleasant reminder to all of the great winning tradition that is Sooner football. I thought it was funny that he did it so many times. I think it was nice of him to break the tension and let Sam know that he's among family. I saddened that he felt it necessary to apologize. Props to the Bradfords and others for having his back.

I love Billy for all that he's done and continues to do! "BOOMER!!!!!"
Report Comment
texasbill, (12/16/2008 4:00:00 PM)
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMER!!!!!!!!!!
Report Comment
texasbill, (12/16/2008 4:01:02 PM)
WWLS get over it!!!!! BOOOOMER!!!
Report Comment
Big Harp, Florida (12/16/2008 5:21:46 PM)
The only thing that bothered me was that Jason or Steve O wasn't on the other side of the room shouting Sooner right back at Billy...........BOOMER SOONER!!!
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