OU Head Coach Jeff Capel on Team in Turmoil

Originally Published: Apr 18, 2010 11:1 PM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball program faced some major issues this year -- from injuries to investigations --and head coach Jeff Capel has to now answer questions regarding the future success of his team.

View a timeline of the Sooners’ struggles, both on the hardwood and off.

Capel talked exclusively with Oklahoma Sports’s Toby Rowland following a scheduled press conference.

The head coach was rumored to be looking elsewhere for employment, especially following a successful year last year.

“It’s been a bunch of highs and lows,” Capel said. “I was hoping to put to bed some of the rumors that I didn’t want to be here.”

He signed a seven-year commitment to OU and was looking forward to working with a new batch of players.

“You have the excitement of the season starting, but it just didn’t turn out,” Capel said. “It was frustrating, it was long, and it was difficult. I felt embarrassed. I felt like I was letting a lot of people down.”

Capel said despite the turmoil the program is currently in, he sees an opportunity for change and growth.

“It looks like a tremendous opportunity from my side,” Capel said.

The program is currently under investigation by the NCAA regarding its compliance with NCAA rules and regulations.

Read more about the NCAA’s investigation.

“I’ve always felt that when you face adverse situation, that’s when you really find out who your true character is,” Capel said.

“I’m really glad with the people I have on my side.”