OSU Releases Statement Following Gundy Teleconference Backlash

Mike Gundy’s comments from a Tuesday teleconference caused quite the firestorm across social media, and Oklahoma State University responded with a statement Tuesday evening.

After Gundy, Oklahoma State’s football coach, laid out his plan to have his staff return to work starting May 1 in hopes of football returning to boost the local economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the University came through to hope to clean up any mess created from Gundy’s conference.

“Everyone wants to return to some degree of normalcy as soon as possible,” the statement read. “As for Oklahoma State University,  we will adhere to the advice of public health experts who are making informed decisions in the best interest of the citizens of our nation and state based on sound scientific data.  We will also abide by the federal and state mandates as well as Big 12 guidelines. We will not compromise the health and well-being of our campus community. This virus is deadly and we will do our part at Oklahoma State to help blunt the spread.”

Gundy’s plan involved testing staff for the virus and having staff members return to work starting May 1. He then wanted to test players and have them return not too long after. He also stressed the importance of college football on the local economy.

Some found this hypocritical with the argument being that Gundy, a millionaire, wanted to help the state’s economy with his unpaid college players in the midst of this pandemic with a virus they could catch no matter their age.

Others came to Gundy’s side saying the football coach just wanted to get back to playing football as soon as possible.

“May 1’s our goal,” said Gundy. “Don’t know if it will happen. Players will come in after that.”