Brent Venables releases statement with further details on Cale Gundy resignation
On Monday, the Oklahoma Sooners football program released a second statement from head coach Brent Venables regarding assistant Cale Gundy’s resignation.
Although many have spoken up to defend the former Sooners quarterback, Venables makes it clear that Gundy repeatedly reading aloud a “racially charged word” was unavoidably actionable, which the long-time assistant understood.
“As painful as it has been dealing with Coach Gundy resigning from the program, it doesn’t touch the experience of pain felt by a room full of young men I am charged to protect, lead and love,” the statement reads. “There are a few things I would like to address.
“Coach Gundy resigned from the program because he knows what he did was wrong. He chose to read aloud to his players, not once but multiple times, a racially charged word that is objectionable to everyone, and does not reflect the attitude and values of our university or our football program. This is not acceptable. Period. Coach Gundy did the right thing in resigning. He knows our goals for excellence and that coaches have special responsibilities to set an example. He also knows that, while he will always be a part of the OU family, that his words affected many of us and did not represent the principles of our university. Again, his resignation was the right thing to do, and we will move forward positively.”
DeMarco Murray calls Cale Gundy incident ‘unacceptable’
Former Sooners running back and current assistant coach DeMarco Murray released a statement on Monday regarding the Sunday night resignation of Cale Gundy. Murray shared his support and love for Gundy and his family. However, he noted that the incident leading to his dismissal was “unacceptable during position meetings.”
“I came here in 2006 for the tradition and the love of this program,” the former Cowboys star posted. “Also the love for Coach Gundy, he’s provided so much knowledge to me over the years and I will always support and love him as well as his entire family. What transpired was unacceptable during position meetings. We must use this time to educate and continue to unify.
“I know the character and the man Coach Gundy has and is, more importantly I know his heart and what he stands for. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without his love/guidance he’s shown me and my family as well as countless other student athletes over the past 25 plus years. He’s not just my former coach, but a great friend of mine that will always remain that and more.”