By John Helsley, Scott Wright and George Schroeder
Published: October 5, 2006
Bomar apologizes
Former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar wrote a letter of apology to the NCAA, according to a report by the Dallas Morning News.
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Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn were dismissed by coach Bob Stoops in August after it was discovered the two players had accepted money for work they did not perform at a Norman car dealership.
“I know the difference between right and wrong,” Bomar said in the letter. “I had no intention of taking money for not working. I got caught up in a situation and listened to the wrong person. I made a very bad mistake.”
Bomar reportedly wrote that he "got caught up in the limelight" and embarrassed himself, his family and the university.
Bomar now attends Sam Houston State in Huntsville, Texas, and has filed paperwork with the NCAA to get reinstated to play.
The school hopes to receive a ruling from the NCAA by the end of the month.
Castiglione vows to protect tradition: The future of the Red River Rivalry in Dallas might be a topic of considerable debate. Any thought of moving the kickoff to night, however, apparently isn’t up for discussion.
ABC pushed to move this year’s game to its prime-time slot, only to find both schools opposed.
“Quite candidly, I don’t see a day when we’ll agree to play this game at night,” Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione said.
“There are just too many characteristics that are important to the fans. And too many issues for us to address to have that game at night.
“I believe the fans like it just where it is. And they have been a big part of making this game what it is. ... We feel like it’s placed just perfectly — 2:30 in the afternoon.”
The issue of security in and around the state fair has been pegged as one reason not to play at night. Castiglione said that was just one of several factors.
“All the books you read about college football and traditions in college football and what’s most important, this is right there at the top with any game,” Castiglione said.
“It just has all the right characteristics and character. And we’re going to continue to protect it.”
Smith practices: OU sophomore Reggie Smith returned to practice Wednesday. The starting strong safety missed two days of practice when a cut on his leg became infected.
The cut was a turf burn suffered Sept. 16 at Oregon.
The injury is not expected to affect Smith’s availability Saturday against Texas.
Hit in the mouth: Sooners quarterback Paul Thompson has seen the statistics. He knows Texas will put pressure on him every time he drops back to pass.
The Longhorns have 18 sacks and countless quarterback knockdowns through five games.
“We’ve been preparing for that,” Thompson said Tuesday. “It’s up to our linemen and me seeing blitzes.
“I might be getting hit in the mouth every play. I’m comfortable with that as long as we’re making plays downfield.”
One quarterback: The Longhorns have chosen Colt McCoy as quarterback and stuck with him. Although coach Mack Brown said Jevan Snead is developing, he said there are no plans to use both quarterbacks against OU.
That’s a departure from the past, when Brown presided over quarterback controversies involving Major Applewhite and Chris Simms and Chance Mock and Vince Young. In those cases, the ’Horns sometimes went into games with a plan to play both QBs.
“We’ve learned our lesson,” Brown said.
“You don’t plan on any of that. You do whatever you feel like fits the game.”
Wolfe gets a second chance Oklahoma vs. Texas:... 10/05/2006 NORMAN — D.J. Wolfe says a cornerback must have a short memory.
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