Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy caused a stir on social media while addressing star player Ollie Gordon II's recent DUI arrest.
During the Big 12 media conference, Gundy shared why he will not suspend the 2023 Conference Player of the Year following the incident.
Furthermore, Gundy said he did his research on the legal drinking limits in Oklahoma and admitted he may have driven with the illegal alcohol levels in his system on several occasions.
'I thought, really, two or three beers, or four -- I'm not justifying what Ollie did, I'm telling you what decision I made -- well, I thought I probably done that a thousand times in my life,' Gundy said.
'So, I got lucky. People get lucky. Ollie made a decision that he wish he could've done better.'
OSU coach Mike Gundy sparked a fury for defending his star player after a DUI arrest
Big 12 Conference Player of the Year Ollie Gordon will not face a suspension behind his arrest
On July 2, the Cowboys running back was pulled over after his 2024 black Cadillac was seen swerving and speeding on a local interstate. During the arrest, officers claimed smelling 'an odor associated with an alcoholic beverage' from the vehicle.
After searching his car, cops reported spotting a half-full bottle of lemonade vodka and a half-full bottle of tequila. Gordon also reportedly told the police he had one drink. However, his alcohol level samples came back .11 and .10, both over the .08 state limit.
Claiming his player is a 'great person who made a mistake', Gundy decided against suspending the running back as he insisted that a one-game ban would not do anything for Gordon or the team.
On July 2, Gordon was pulled over after his 2024 Cadillac was seen swerving and speeding
Here's Mike Gundy's entire answer on Ollie Gordon not getting suspended. Not sure "I've probably done that a thousand time in my life. And, and, you know which is fine. I got lucky, people get lucky" was the way to go pic.twitter.com/zVig6u7p7V
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) July 9, 2024Gordon's samples came back .10 and .11, both just slightly over Oklahoma's .08 legal limit
In a video of his response, users referred to his answer as horrifying and pathetic. Meanwhile, another user wrote: 'How about using this as a teaching moment. I've done it probably a thousand times??? Dude not good.'
Despite refusing to take disciplinary action, Gundy acknowledged the dangers that Gordon's actions could have caused. The coach also emphasized how Gordon was 'lucky' nothing tragic happened on the road.
'Nobody got hurt. We see people doing this and people losing their lives across the country. Not just [from] football players but everybody, so you got out lucky.'
Furthermore, Gundy pointed out how Gordon showed up to media day so he can face the music in front of the masses.
Gordon insisted on attending media day to take accountability for his irresponsible actions
Gundy said Gordon is a 'great person who made a mistake' and 'he's lucky nobody got hurt'
'We can say these guys aren't employees but they're really employees, these guys get paid a lot of money,' he said.
'Which is fine, but there needs to be a side to what they do, that they have to be able to - for lack of a better term - face the music and own up to things.'
After insisting on attending the media activities, Gordon apologized for his arrest and said he will learn and grow from his mistakes.