Oklahoma State Football

The Oklahoma State University athletic department announced the formation of a Council For Diversity and Inclusion on Wednesday. 

Dr. Jason Kirksey, the school's vice president for institutional diversity and its chief diversity officer, will chair the council, which is going to become a "permanent entity" for the department. It will also include other school officials, current student-athletes, alumni and other members of the campus community.

Kirksey released a statement about the new group:

"OSU is a land-grant institution with an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. Over the past decade, OSU has emerged as a national leader and a role model across higher education and beyond. While we still have work to do, the establishment of athletics' Council For Diversity and Inclusion is a significant and genuine effort to broaden and deepen the university's commitment to a culture of inclusion. The council is our most recent structural engagement to effect meaningful and lasting change across the OSU Family."

Chad Weiberg, OSU's deputy athletic director, also commented on the new initiative.

"We are grateful that Dr. Kirksey has agreed to lead our efforts moving forward," he said. "The athletic department could make a lot of promises and declarations about what we will be doing, but our future actions will speak for us. Under Dr Kirksey's leadership, we will be very intentional in our efforts, but our driving goal will be to get better."

The announcement comes in wake of Oklahoma State head football coach Mike Gundy being criticized for wearing a shirt with the logo of OAN, a right-wing news network, in a photo posted on social media.

https://twitter.com/Kyle__Boone/status/1272553163766317061

Gundy issued an apology, saying he was "disgusted" by OAN's stance against the Black Lives Matter movement and he promised "positive changes" to the OSU football program:

pic.twitter.com/x4mjK6v3UV

— Mike Gundy (@CoachGundy) June 16, 2020

Gundy previously endorsed the network, especially its coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, calling it "refreshing" after criticizing mainstream media coverage of the pandemic.

The 52-year-old Oklahoma native, who played quarterback at the school in the 1980s, has been the Cowboys' head coach since 2005.

Oklahoma State football head coach Mike Gundy told Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports that hearing that Cowboys players felt he was disconnected broke his heart in comments published Tuesday.

"There have been a lot of teachable moments for me here recently. When the players said they felt I was disconnected, it broke my heart. Hearing that led me to look at myself and acknowledge that it’s probably true. I’ve spent a lot of time listening and learning lately, and now I feel better about moving forward in developing deeper relationships with my players. That’s what they told me they wanted and that’s now a top priority for me."

Gundy came under fire recently after being pictured with a T-shirt promoting One American News Network, a far-right news network known for promoting conspiracy theories, per Thamel. The image prompted star Cowboys running back Chuba Hubbard to threaten cutting ties with the university:

I will not stand for this.. This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable. I will not be doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE. https://t.co/psxPn4Khoq

— Chuba Hubbard (@Hubbard_RMN) June 15, 2020

Gundy, 52, has been the Cowboys' head coach since 2005. He was also an Oklahoma State assistant from 1990 to 1995 and 2001 to 2004 and played quarterback for the program from 1986 to 1989.

Gundy's reported disconnect with his players goes deeper than a T-shirt, however, per an unnamed source to Thamel.

"This was about way more than a T-shirt. Think about it. Chuba didn't risk everything because of what channel Gundy watches. It was a lack of general respect for the well-being of the players."

A few examples were mentioned, notably Gundy's reported inability to remember younger players' names. Thamel also mentioned Gundy's decision to continue practice after walk-on Anthony Diaz nearly died on the field after his heart stopped during one November session. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in an ambulance.

After practice, Gundy was said to have "expressed jarringly little empathy" and mistakenly referenced Diaz as "Nate Diaz." 

In sum, Thamel said that Cowboys players, athletic department officials and various documents "paint a portrait of a coach so distant from his program and consumed by his own ego that he'd lost touch with his team," one who has "an aversion to personal relationships."

However, Hubbard appears to be taking the lead on helping Gundy change for the better.

"Hearing how the players felt was a great learning experience for me," Gundy said. "It was the kind of thing that will bring us closer. What Chuba did is awesome for me and gives us a chance to get better."

"Some people need to be educated," Hubbard said in an ESPN video, per Thamel.

He lated added: "I'm going to do my best to educate him and do my best to make Oklahoma State a better program for all athletes."

Hubbard, a rising junior, rushed for 2,094 yards and 21 touchdowns last year in addition to catching 23 passes for 198 more yards. He gained 100 or more yards in every game except for a 56-14 win over McNeese State in which he carried the ball just eight times.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy has admitted poor judgement when deciding to wear a One America News Network T-shirt. 

Speaking to ESPN+ (h/t CBS Sports' Kyle Boone), Gundy called himself a "dumbass" and said he "didn't know some of the stances they [OAN] had taken."

After photographs surfaced of Gundy sporting a shirt of the controversial far-right news network, several Cowboys players voiced their displeasure. Running back Chuba Hubbard wrote on Twitter he would not do anything for the school "until things CHANGE":

I will not stand for this.. This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable. I will not be doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE. https://t.co/psxPn4Khoq

— Chuba Hubbard (@Hubbard_RMN) June 15, 2020

Gundy and Hubbard later posted a video statement to Twitter, with Gundy noting he "met with some players and realized that it's a very sensitive issue with what's going on in today's society."

In a separate video, Gundy said he issued an apology to the team during a meeting on Tuesday: "They helped me see through their eyes how the T-shirt affected their hearts. Once I learned how that network felt about Black Lives Matter, I was disgusted and knew it was completely unacceptable to me."

OAN has been heavily criticized for publishing conspiracy theories, and one anchor said in 2016 that the Black Lives Matter movement is a "farce."

 

Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe said on Wednesday's episode of Undisputed that Alfred Williams, who played football at the University of Colorado, told him Mike Gundy directed a racist slur at Williams in 1989 when they were both college players. 

Williams played linebacker at Colorado in 1989 and 1990 before he was picked in the first round of the 1991 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Gundy, who is the current head coach of Oklahoma State, played quarterback for the Cowboys from 1986 through 1989.

.@ShannonSharpe discusses his call with Alfred Williams, who was reportedly on the receiving end of a racial comment made by Mike Gundy when they were both college players in 1989 pic.twitter.com/EFIPxVrjdi

— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) June 17, 2020

An old newspaper clipping (warning: link contains the uncensored slur) from 1989 reported Gundy called a number of Colorado players the slur on multiple occasions.

As RJ Young of 247Sports shared, Gundy denied using the slur following the game.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noted Williams currently appears on KOA radio in Denver and addressed the incident.

"I couldn't believe it," Williams said. "There's no walking that back. This story's been out there for 31 years."

He continued, saying "I didn't back down then. I don't back down now. Every time I see him, I just want to run through him. Every time I see his face, every time I look at him, I want to run through him … I'm 51 years old; why in the world do I need to lie about that?"

This all comes after Gundy apologized to those within the Oklahoma State program after a picture of him wearing a One America News shirt circulated and drew backlash from running back Chuba Hubbard and others.

Gundy said he met with his team, which "helped me see through their eyes how the T-shirt affected their hearts. Once I learned how that network felt about Black Lives Matter, I was disgusted and knew it was completely unacceptable to me."

pic.twitter.com/x4mjK6v3UV

— Mike Gundy (@CoachGundy) June 16, 2020

The apology was not Gundy's first effort to reconcile with his players after he wore the shirt. 

He also said he is "looking forward to making some changes" in a video with Hubbard:

https://twitter.com/Hubbard_RMN/status/1272673812795084801

Hubbard initially reacted to the picture by saying he wouldn't participate in anything related to Oklahoma State until there were necessary changes.

I will not stand for this.. This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable. I will not be doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE. https://t.co/psxPn4Khoq

— Chuba Hubbard (@Hubbard_RMN) June 15, 2020

OAN has called the Black Lives Matter movement a "farce," while Dan Bernstein of Sporting News wrote "OAN is a far-right media network that has regularly promoted conspiracy theories, including an unsubstantiated report about a protester injured by Buffalo police earlier this month that was shared by President Donald Trump." 

Gundy praised the network in April, calling it "refreshing," per Jacob Unruh of The Oklahoman.

After a picture of Mike Gundy wearing a One America News shirt circulated and drew backlash from members of the Oklahoma State football team, the Cowboys head coach apologized to current players, former players and players' families Tuesday.

Gundy said of a meeting with the team: "They helped me see through their eyes how the T-shirt affected their hearts. Once I learned how that network felt about Black Lives Matter, I was disgusted and knew it was completely unacceptable to me."

He also said the meetings with his team have been "eye-opening."

pic.twitter.com/x4mjK6v3UV

— Mike Gundy (@CoachGundy) June 16, 2020

That Gundy specifically apologized in this video is notable because he did not in a video running back Chuba Hubbard released Monday.

While Gundy said he is "looking forward to making some changes" in that video, it was Hubbard who was the only one with an apologetic tone. The running back said he should have approached Gundy in person instead of tweeting about it.

https://twitter.com/Hubbard_RMN/status/1272673812795084801

This all comes after Hubbard responded to a picture of Gundy wearing the shirt and said he would not take the field for Oklahoma State without change.

That stance drew plenty of support from current and former Cowboys:

I will not stand for this.. This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable. I will not be doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE. https://t.co/psxPn4Khoq

— Chuba Hubbard (@Hubbard_RMN) June 15, 2020

I stand with him! https://t.co/WWOs2ALxml

— Amen Ogbongbemiga (@closedprayer) June 15, 2020

As an O-line we stand and support Chuba https://t.co/5zau9yTpCF

— Tev (@TevenJenkins) June 15, 2020

OSU Athletics and University need major change. 100% support brotha https://t.co/2JquXm3aPe

— Justice Hill (@jhill21_) June 15, 2020

It’s About Way More Than Football!!! https://t.co/Zjr5J5CFNf

— Tylan Wallace (@OfficialTylan2) June 15, 2020

Can’t stay Silent Anymore! Call a Spade a Spade!! https://t.co/Ya8xTYIwEr

— AJ Green III (@AjGofor6) June 15, 2020

Gundy specifically mentioned how "disgusted" he was with OAN's stance on Black Lives Matter. The Associated Press (via the Tampa Bay Times) noted OAN commenter Liz Wheeler called the movement a "farce" that is only out for "revenge" in light of the nationwide protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd.

"OAN is a far-right media network that has regularly promoted conspiracy theories, including an unsubstantiated report about a protester injured by Buffalo police earlier this month that was shared by President Donald Trump," Dan Bernstein of Sporting News wrote.

Gundy praised the network in April, per Jacob Unruh of The Oklahoman:

"I tell you what's funny is, I was flipping through stations. I found one—I don't even know if anybody knows about this—it's called OAN. It's One America News. And it was so refreshing. They just report the news. There's no commentary. There's no opinions on this. There's no left. There's no right. They just reported the news. And I've been watching them the last week, because they're giving us the news and giving us more information—in my opinion—some of the positives are coming out. So, that was refreshing."

Gundy played quarterback at Oklahoma State from 1986 through 1989 and has been the head coach since the 2005 campaign.    

Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard has no regrets about calling out head coach Mike Gundy on social media for wearing a One America News Network T-shirt. 

Hubbard wrote that he "was never wrong for saying what [he] said" and he "had to hold [Gundy] accountable" either in a face-to-face meeting or on social media:

https://twitter.com/Hubbard_RMN/status/1272895434546184195

After a photograph was posted on social media Monday showing Gundy wearing a shirt of the far-right news outlet, Hubbard responded by calling it "completely insensitive to everything going on in society" and vowed not to do anything for the program "until things CHANGE":

I will not stand for this.. This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable. I will not be doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE. https://t.co/psxPn4Khoq

— Chuba Hubbard (@Hubbard_RMN) June 15, 2020

In a video statement released Monday night, Gundy stood alongside Hubbard to address a meeting he had with members of the Cowboys football team.

"[I was] made aware of some things that players feel like can make our organization, our culture even better than it is here at Oklahoma State," Gundy said. "I'm looking forward to making some changes, and it starts at the top with me. And we've got good days ahead."

OAN, a media outlet based in San Diego that started in 2013, has been accused of pushing conspiracies and unsubstantiated theories as real news stories. 

Gundy played quarterback at Oklahoma State from 1986-89 and has been the team's head coach since 2005. 

Hubbard is heading into his junior year with the Cowboys. He led the FBS with 2,094 rushing yards in 2019. 

Oklahoma State head football coach Mike Gundy wasted little time responding to concerns raised by current and former players, including star running back Chuba Hubbard. 

Hubbard tweeted out a video with Gundy with the message "Change is coming I promise you that":

https://twitter.com/Hubbard_RMN/status/1272673812795084801

Both Gundy and Hubbard spoke, and the head coach said he met with players and "realized it's a very sensitive issue with what's going on in today's society" and is "looking forward to making some changes, and it starts at the top with me."

The running back said he is now focused on driving change within the program, although he also said he went about things the wrong way and should have approached the coach in person instead of first raising his concerns on social media.

Kyle Boone of CBS Sports noted Gundy didn't apologize in the video, but Hubbard did for taking this route.

Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga tweeted: "By voicing our opinion we are happy to have came to a conclusion and opened a gateway to create some serious CHANGE around Oklahoma State. My teammates and I have all agreed we will go ahead and resume all workouts and activities. We're all in this together."

The video came after Hubbard responded to a picture of Gundy wearing a One America News Network (OAN) shirt and said he would not participate in anything related to Oklahoma State until there was necessary change.

I will not stand for this.. This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable. I will not be doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE. https://t.co/psxPn4Khoq

— Chuba Hubbard (@Hubbard_RMN) June 15, 2020

He wasn't the only one to weigh in, as Ogbongbemiga, former running back Justice Hill and offensive lineman Teven Jenkins were among those who backed Hubbard's statement: 

I stand with him! https://t.co/WWOs2ALxml

— Amen Ogbongbemiga (@closedprayer) June 15, 2020

OSU Athletics and University need major change. 100% support brotha https://t.co/2JquXm3aPe

— Justice Hill (@jhill21_) June 15, 2020

As an O-line we stand and support Chuba https://t.co/5zau9yTpCF

— Tev (@TevenJenkins) June 15, 2020

"OAN is a far-right media network that has regularly promoted conspiracy theories, including an unsubstantiated report about a protester injured by Buffalo police earlier this month that was shared by President Donald Trump," Dan Bernstein of Sporting News wrote, explaining why players would take issue with Gundy's shirt.

The shirt is not the first time Gundy has expressed support for the network.

He said the following in April, per Jacob Unruh of The Oklahoman:

"I tell you what's funny is, I was flipping through stations. I found one—I don't even know if anybody knows about this—it's called OAN. It's One America News. And it was so refreshing. They just report the news. There's no commentary. There's no opinions on this. There's no left. There's no right. They just reported the news. And I've been watching them the last week, because they're giving us the news and giving us more information—in my opinion—some of the positives are coming out. So, that was refreshing."

Prior to the video with Hubbard and Gundy, school president Burns Hargis tweeted: "I hear and respect the concerns expressed by our Black student-athletes. This is a time for unity of purpose to confront racial inequities and injustice. We will not tolerate insensitive behavior by anyone at Oklahoma State."

According to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, athletic director Mike Holder said, "This afternoon has been very disturbing. The tweets from the current and former players are of grave concern."

Gundy has been the head coach at Oklahoma State since the 2005 season. He also played at the Big 12 school as a quarterback from 1986 through 1989.

Hubbard is arguably the team's best current player and was a consensus All-American and the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year last season.

Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard took a strong stance Monday against his coach Mike Gundy, who was seen wearing a One America News shirt:

I will not stand for this.. This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable. I will not be doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE. https://t.co/psxPn4Khoq

— Chuba Hubbard (@Hubbard_RMN) June 15, 2020

One America News is a far-right network that has often been promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump. 

Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga and offensive lineman Teven Jenkins supported their teammate:

I stand with him! https://t.co/WWOs2ALxml

— Amen Ogbongbemiga (@closedprayer) June 15, 2020

As an O-line we stand and support Chuba https://t.co/5zau9yTpCF

— Tev (@TevenJenkins) June 15, 2020

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill, who spent 2016-18 with the Cowboys, also provided his take on the situation:

OSU Athletics and University need major change. 100% support brotha https://t.co/2JquXm3aPe

— Justice Hill (@jhill21_) June 15, 2020

You don't see everyday things

— Justice Hill (@jhill21_) June 15, 2020

Oklahoma State president Burns Hargis issued a statement via social media:

I hear and respect the concerns expressed by our Black student-athletes. This is a time for unity of purpose to confront racial inequities and injustice. We will not tolerate insensitive behavior by anyone at Oklahoma State.

— Burns Hargis (@burnshargis) June 15, 2020

Cowboys athletic director Mike Holder also voiced concern on the situation, per Stewart Mandel of The Athletic: "This afternoon has been very disturbing. The tweets from the current and former players are of grave concern."

Hubbard and Gundy later released a joint video, with the player and the coach each vowing changes were coming:

https://twitter.com/Hubbard_RMN/status/1272673812795084801

Hubbard was the FBS' leading rusher last year with 2,094 rushing yards to go with 21 touchdowns. He finished eighth in voting for the Heisman Trophy and is heading into his junior season.

The former 3-star recruit is expected to be one of the top contenders for the Heisman next year, given 22-1 odds to win the award by Caesars.

Ogbongbemiga is also an impact player who totaled 100 tackles last season, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. He was a team captain as a junior and is expected to be a leader on the team going into his senior year.

The linebacker also announced he tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this month.

Gundy said earlier this offseason he planned to defy social distancing guidelines and return to team facilities early, although he later apologized for his comments. He also referred to it as the "Chinese virus."

The 52-year-old is often outspoken on a variety of issues, many times featuring his conservative beliefs. Two years ago, he blamed "liberalism" and "the snowflake" for transfers:

Here's Mike Gundy's response to a question about college football transfers. The answer kind of goes all over the place. #OKState pic.twitter.com/hiQV9gku05

— Scott Pfeil (@scottpfeil) November 13, 2018

His views have seemingly now created a backlash from his players, many of whom have come out in support of ongoing protests against racial injustice, including Hubbard. 

Oklahoma State linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez announced he tested positive for COVID-19 upon returning to campus.  

"I have been completely asymptomatic," he said in the message while warning everyone to follow CDC guidelines. 

"Please continue to use extreme caution when presenting yourself to any group gatherings that exist beyond the confines of your own home and surroundings," he continued. "COVID-19 is not a hoax and still exists."

Stay safe!❤️ pic.twitter.com/kgxvM5k92B

— Malcolm Rodriguez (@malcolmlrod) June 14, 2020

This comes after fellow Oklahoma State linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga announced he tested positive for COVID-19 on June 2.

On June 3, senior associate athletic director Kevin Klintworth tweeted a message saying Oklahoma State has tested more than 150 people and found three asymptomatic positive results among student-athletes.

Jacob Unruh of the Oklahoman noted Cowboys football players started returning to campus on June 1 and were tested ahead of voluntary workouts. What's more, the arrival of freshmen players has been delayed following the positive tests.

Rodriguez is one of the defensive leaders for Oklahoma State and finished the 2019 campaign with 103 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown in a win over Iowa State.

Oklahoma State is scheduled to start its season against Oregon State on Sept. 3.

Oklahoma State linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga announced Tuesday he has tested positive for the coronavirus after attending a protest in Tulsa:

https://twitter.com/closedprayer/status/1267971181715632129

The rising senior was a captain for the Cowboys last season and finished the year with 100 tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss.

Protests have been taking place nationwide over the past week after George Floyd, a black man, was killed while in the custody of four white police officers in Minneapolis responding to an alleged forgery. Derek Chauvin, who was shown on video pinning Floyd to the ground with his knee across Floyd's back and neck for nearly nine minutes, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. 

None of the other officers at the scene have been charged.

There have been multiple days worth of protests in Tulsa, including Saturday on the 99th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

The demonstrations have brought mass amounts of people together, which goes against social-distancing recommendations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has led to over 106,000 deaths in the United States, including 339 people in Oklahoma as of Tuesday, according to CNN.com.

Ogbongbemiga shared a personal message on social media Saturday amid the unrest.

https://twitter.com/closedprayer/status/1266807391456288768

The linebacker was born in Nigeria before moving to Canada, eventually committing to Oklahoma State as a 3-star recruit in the 2016 class, per 247Sports.

He has exceeded expectations on and off the field, earning Academic All-Big 12 honors in each of the last three years. He was named second-team all-conference with his play last year, while Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports called him "one of the top linebackers in the Big 12."