Oklahoma State Receiver Justin Blackmon to Miss One Game

Originally Published: Oct 27, 2010 6:1 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy announced Wednesday that receiver Justin Blackmon will be suspended for the Cowboys' matchup with Kansas State Saturday after being arrested for driving under the influence.

The Cowboys’ head coach made sure to clarify that it was his decision to sit the nation’s top receiver for a tough road matchup.

"I compiled all the information just like I do with any situation that happens outside of our football program,” Gundy said. “I call it like it is and I make the decision. No one else makes that decision but me. We are always going to follow the law and in our opinion what he did deserves a suspension from this game."

Gundy and Blackmon both spoke after the Cowboys' practice Wednesday. Blackmon read a prepared statement, admitting he made a mistake and apologized to his friends and fans.

“I made a mistake and I take full responsibility for it,” Blackmon said. “I am embarrassed to be in this position. I am truly sorry to my family, to my friends, and to Oklahoma State as a whole, I look forward to redeeming myself and proving to everybody that this isn't who I am. I am humbled by this experience and I will grow from it."

Blackmon was arrested early Tuesday morning in Carrollton, Texas for driving 92 mph in a 60 mph zone, and was subjected to field sobriety tests after the officer smelled alcohol.

He was not required to make a public statement, but chose to speak out about the incident to tell his side of the story and make amends.

“I have apologized to my teammates for being a distraction and that I brought this on the team. I apologize to this program and to the school,” Blackmon said. “I brought a lot of bad press to Oklahoma State and I am really sorry for that."

Texas state law says that any driver under the age of 21 with any alcohol in their system is considered to be driving under the influence.

Oklahoma State released the following statement Thursday in regards to the issue:

“The Oklahoma State University Office of Athletics Compliance has reviewed circumstances related to student-athletes traveling to Arlington, Texas, to attend Monday night’s NFL game. Based upon all information gathered, and in consultation with the NCAA and others, the OSU compliance staff has determined that no violations of NCAA legislation occurred.”

The Office of Athletics Compliance now considers the matter closed.