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Operating surgeon on OU quarterback John Mateer receives state commendation

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo8 hours agoBPrzybylo
Oklahoma QB John Mateer
© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

How serious is OU football in Oklahoma? This serious. The surgeon that operated on OU quarterback John Mateer on Wednesday has now received a commendation from the Oklahoma State Attorney General.

No joke.

Attorney general Gentner Drummond posted Thursday afternoon the letter of commendation for Dr. Steven Shin, who performed thumb surgery on Mateer on Wednesday in Los Angeles.

“Whereas, Dr. Shin has earned the gratitude of Sooner fans far and wide, who have taken to celebrating his surgical acumen on social media;

“Therefore, I, Gentner Drummond, Attorney General of the State of Oklahoma, do hereby recognize and commend Dr. Steven Shin for his dedication, professionalism and admirable commitment to helping ensure great football.”

Shin has operated on numerous famous athletes, but OU fans went overboard in their hope and social media support and encouragement that Shin could help get Mateer back to the field sooner than later.

Mateer injured his right thumb in the first quarter of last weekend’s victory against Auburn. He played the rest of the game and scored the game-winning rushing touchdown in the final minutes.

He has been ruled out for next weekend’s game against Kent State. Head coach Brent Venables has already named Michael Hawkins Jr. as the starter.

Mateer returned to Oklahoma on Thursday, posting on social media that it was a successful surgery and declaring Shin as ‘the GOAT.’

Venables did not have a timetable on when Mateer will return when asked by SoonerScoop later on Thursday afternoon.

OU is 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the SEC and ranked No. 7 in the AP poll. It is the highest ranking for the Sooners since defeating Texas in October 2023.

OU fans are hopeful that Shin was so successful that Mateer might be able to return to the lineup for the Red River Rivalry in Dallas on Oct. 11.

Hawkins was thrust into the limelight and started against Texas as a true freshman last season.

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