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Oklahoma RB Keith Ford's dad speaks out about son's suspension
A day after Oklahoma running back Keith Ford was suspended indefinitely for academic and team rules violations, Ford’s parents, Keith and Mary, released a statement Tuesday via the Tulsa World. In part, the Fords said that their son “never recovered completely” physically or mentally from breaking a bone in his lower leg against Tennessee on Sept. 13.
“Although we respect the decision of Coach Stoops to suspend our son from the football team the actions that prompted this decision were uncharacteristic of our son’s behavior. We believe Keith never recovered completely (physically and/or mentally) from the injury that occurred in the Tennessee game. After speaking with several medical professionals we found that this is not uncommon among athletes after suffering an extensive injury. Therefore, we brought this to the attention of Coach Stoops and the OU Staff and they are actively engaged in helping Keith. When Coach Stoops told us “I will never shut a kid out” he solidified our complete trust and confidence in the OU program. We are praying for the return of Keith Ford #21.”
In a subsequent interview with the World’s Guerin Emig, Keith Ford Sr. said that his son hasn’t been himself since the Tennessee game, especially in terms of “timeliness to class and participation in team activities.”
“That’s where team rules come in,” he said, referring to his son’s suspension. “There’s some reasoning behind that, medical professionals are telling us, but the trend has been a downward spiral since the Tennessee game.”
Ford Sr. said the family has been working with Stoops and the rest of the Oklahoma coaching staff to help his son rehabilitate both physically and psychologically.
“We’ve been working with the OU staff. Coach Stoops, Coach Gundy and Coach Boulware, they’ve been working with us,” Ford Sr. said. “Sometimes players go through things, and they’re so competitive they kind of mask what’s going on. We’ve been talking to some professionals. We really can’t talk about that in specifics. But an injury affects an athlete mentally and physically by which both require rehabilitation.”
Ford Sr. said he and his wife were informed of the suspension when they spoke to Stoops on Monday. Stoops told them that he would “never shut a kid out.” That comment “made us feel like a million bucks,” Ford Sr. said.
“We knew Keith had (Stoops’) support regardless,” he said. “That acknowledged, ‘OK, let’s take a look at this.’ Now, the violation of team rules, it is what it is. But we think the bigger picture is the underlying issues that resulted in this, and we’re going to have a chance to revisit where Keith stands with the team.”
Ford Sr. said the rules his son violated were mainly attendance related – both in the classroom and with football activities. Ford’s status with the team is up in the air right now, but the coaches will continue to a provide support system.
“We’re hopeful that he will (return). But that decision is his. We can’t make that decision for him,” Ford Sr. said. “They’re working with Keith and trying to get him back where he needs to be. Coach Stoops and his staff have been very supportive.”
Ford was the Sooners’ starting running back until his Week 3 injury. He was able to return to the field later on in the season, but fell behind standout freshman Samaje Perine on the depth chart. Overall in eight games, Ford rushed for 369 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 140 yards and a score.
For more Oklahoma news, visit SoonerScoop.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
