Oklahoma legend, running back coach DeMarco Murray releases statement on Cale Gundy resignation
Former Sooners running back and current assistant coach DeMarco Murray released a statement on Monday regarding the Sunday night resignation of Cale Gundy from the Oklahoma football program. 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.”
Gundy shared in his resignation statement that he “noticed a player was distracted and picked up his iPad. He said he read aloud the words that were on the screen. He said he read “one particular word” — which “horrified” him afterward.
Like Murray, fellow former Sooners running back Joe Mixon posted a statement in defense of Gundy’s character. The Bengals star took his a step further, however, calling for the program’s leadership to reinstate him.
“I offer my highest support and admiration for Coach Gundy and will be extremely disappointed with the school, the program, and the administrators if he is not allowed to continue as a coach at the university going forward,” Mixon said.
Brent Venables accepts resignation from Cale Gundy
First-year Sooners head coach Brent Venables accepted Gundy’s resignation on Sunday night and released a statement. He also named former offensive analyst L’Damian Washington as interim receivers coach.
“It’s with sadness that I accept Coach Gundy’s resignation,” read Venables’ statement. “He’s dedicated more than half of his life to Oklahoma Football and has served our program and university well. We’re thankful for that commitment. We also acknowledge that in stepping aside he’s placed the program and the welfare of our student-athletes first. In coaching and in life, we’re all accountable for our actions and the resulting outcomes.
“The culture we’re building in our program is based on mutual respect. Our staff is here to develop successful student-athletes, but also young men of character. As the leaders of this program, it’s essential that we hold ourselves to the highest standards as we model for our players the type of men we want them to become.”
On3’s Austin Brezina contributed to this report.