Mike Gundy Under Fire for Comments On Gordon's DUI Arrest

Oklahoma State Head Coach Mike Gundy is facing backlash for comments made about Running Back Ollie Gordon II's DUI arrest, with critics accusing him of downplaying the seriousness of the offense.

What Happened?

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a trooper pulled Gordon over on June 30 for speeding and swerving through traffic.

The video shows the trooper pouring out what court documents say were two half-full bottles of liquor.

Related Coverage:

1. Dashcam Video Of Ollie Gordon II Arrest Released By Oklahoma Highway Patrol
2. OSU Running Back Ollie Gordon Won’t Miss Games After Arrest, Gundy Clarifies Comments
3. 'Ollie Is Going To Play': John Holcomb Catches Up With Mike Gundy And Ollie Gordon
4. Ollie Gordon II Will Not Miss Playing Time Following His Arrest, Coach Gundy Says
5. OSU Running Back Ollie Gordon II Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI

Court records show Gordon blew a 0.11, which is over the legal limit.

He has been charged and has apologized.

Image Provided By: Associated Press

This arrest was a hot topic for both Gordon and his head coach at Big 12 media days.

When addressing Gordon’s arrest at Big 12 Media Days, Gundy said the following: “I thought to myself, 2 or 3, maybe 4 beers, and I'm not justifying what Ollie did. I'm telling you what decision I made. I thought 'I’ve probably done that a thousand times in my life. So, I got lucky... People get lucky. Ollie made a decision he wishes he could have done better.”

It especially caught the attention of groups against drunk driving, who say they are disappointed in how Gundy handled the situation.

Here are 3 things to know about this story:

DUI Arrest Details: Oklahoma State Running Back Ollie Gordon II was arrested on June 30 for DUI, with a blood alcohol level of 0.1, over the legal limit. He has since been charged and apologized.

Controversial Comments: Head Coach Mike Gundy's remarks about the incident, including saying he's "probably done that a thousand times," have drawn criticism for downplaying the seriousness of drunk driving.

Advocates' Response: Anti-drunk driving advocates, including Kristy Murrow of Victims Of Impaired Driving, are disappointed in Gundy's handling of the situation, arguing he missed an opportunity to set a strong example against impaired driving.

News 9's Cameron Joiner spoke with one of those advocates.

Some people see Gundy's comments as making light of Gordon's DUI arrest. Specifically, one advocate says Gundy missed a chance to set an example. "In his position, you do have an incredible platform that could be used for good," said Kristy Murrow, Founder of Victims Of Impaired Driving.

"We know first hand that the difference between being lucky, having done it a thousand times and being lucky, is about two seconds," said Murrow.

Murrow says two seconds was all the time her daughter Marissa had to react before she was killed in a head-on collision with a drunk driver.

Murrow is one of many upset by Gundy's comments. "To have somebody with a platform like he dismiss such a serious crime is disheartening to victim's families," Murrow said.

She says Gundy could've used the situation to set an example. "Send a great message to young people everywhere that driving impaired is absolutely unacceptable and there is never an excuse for it and accountability has to happen," Murrow added.

Instead, she and other critics feel he made light of the situation.

"So to be so glib about "I’ve done it a thousand times, I’ve been lucky," she said.

Gundy later clarified his comments on X (formerly known as Twitter) saying that his intended point was, "We are all guilty of making bad decisions."

Image Provided By: Associated Press

Gordon is facing charges for his actions, but Gundy says Gordon won't face suspension from the team and punishment will be handled internally.

Many feel that's not enough accountability. "If we're ever going to make a real difference in impaired driving, we have to say enough is enough and call a crime a crime," Murrow said.

Gordon issued an apology as well at Big 12 media days and called the incident a mistake he will never make again.

Gordon, who is under 21, has been charged with DUI and transporting an open container.

Both are misdemeanors.

He's set to appear in court on August 7.