OU football's Wayne Chambers

(Norman-AP) -- Sophomore linebacker Wayne Chambers anchors Number One Oklahoma's celebrated defense, but he almost wasn't able to play. <br><br>Less than three months ago, Chambers was lying in

Saturday, September 27th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Norman-AP) -- Sophomore linebacker Wayne Chambers anchors Number One Oklahoma's celebrated defense, but he almost wasn't able to play.

Less than three months ago, Chambers was lying in a hospital bed with a crack in his pelvis and a bullet in his leg.

But Chambers gave a steady performance in the Sooners 59-to-24 win over U-C-L-A last week, earning a game ball from his coaches and the admiration of his teammates.

Chambers was shot in July when a group of Oklahoma players went to a party at a Veteran of Foreign Wars hall in Pauls Valley.

A fight started, and Chambers and junior receiver Ataleo Ford were shot -- Chambers in the pelvis and Ford in the leg.

The bullet fractured Chambers' pelvis and remains in his right hamstring.

A 23-year-old man has been charged with shooting with intent to kill in the case.