Sims hoping to regain leadership status

(Norman-AP) -- Oklahoma freshman Wes Sims says he's learned his lesson. <br><br>The 6-foot-4, 315-pound offensive lineman from Weatherford High School was a Parade and U-S-A Today All-American. PrepStar

Tuesday, August 8th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Norman-AP) -- Oklahoma freshman Wes Sims says he's learned his lesson.

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound offensive lineman from Weatherford High School was a Parade and U-S-A Today All-American. PrepStar rated him as the top offensive lineman in the country.

He was a standout in track and field. And he was an honor student who read to elementary students during his senior year. But none of that mattered last year.

Sims and four other friends were throwing water balloons in November when one unintentionally fell from an overpass shattering the windshield of a passing car. Sims was charged with a felony and faced up to ten years in prison.

He ended up getting a one-year deferred sentence and was ordered to perform community service. He also had to serve a weekend in jail.

Sims says he plans never to be in that position again. His coaches say Sims has the talent and desire to regain his leadership status -- quickly.