Oklahoma dismisses starting quarterback

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahoma starting quarterback Rhett Bomar will not play for the Sooners this season following an investigation by the team, according to a television report.

Oklahoma confirmed that two players had been dismissed by the team but did not identify them. The school said in a statement that the players violated NCAA rules by working at a private business and taking ``payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked.''

Oklahoma City television station KWTV reported that Bomar, who set an Oklahoma freshman record with 2,018 passing yards after taking over as the Sooners' starter in the second game last season, was one of the two players who had been permanently dismissed.

``We spend a considerable amount of time addressing our players regarding their personal conduct and the NCAA rules,'' head coach Bob Stoops said in a statement. ``They know exactly what we expect from them. Ultimately, they have to make right decisions. The same holds true for our boosters. When they do not, the consequences are serious, and we will not tolerate this behavior.

``Our team and university actions are necessary because of the intentional participation and knowledge of the student athletes in these violations,'' Stoops said.

A top-rated recruit out of high school, Bomar redshirted his first season while 2004 Heisman Trophy winner Jason White completed his career. Bomar lost a quarterback competition to Paul Thompson last fall, but was named the starter after the Sooners lost to TCU in the first week.

He started Oklahoma's final 11 games and completed 54 percent of his passes, while throwing 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Oklahoma finished 2005 by winning six of its final seven games, including a victory against Oregon in the Holiday Bowl.

``I firmly believe that our program is stronger than any individual player and that a championship program cannot compromise its values,'' Stoops said in the statement.

NORMAN, Okla. -- Based upon an investigation initiated by the University of Oklahoma and facts uncovered by the University, Head Coach Bob Stoops today announced that he has permanently dismissed two members of the Sooner football team.

The investigation by OU revealed that two football players received extra compensation above that to which they were entitled related to their employment at a private business. This is a direct violation of NCAA rules. The two accepted payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked. OU is taking the initiative by declaring them ineligible for the entire current season and by permanently dismissing the two from the team. They will not be allowed to return to the OU team at any time in the future.

“We spend a considerable amount of time addressing our players regarding their personal conduct and the NCAA rules,” Stoops said. “They know exactly what we expect from them. Ultimately, they have to make right decisions. The same holds true for our boosters. When they do not, the consequences are serious, and we will not tolerate this behavior.

“Our team and University actions are necessary because of the intentional participation and knowledge of the student athletes in these violations,” Stoops said. “I firmly believe that our program is stronger than any individual player and that a championship program cannot compromise its values,” he said. “We are proud to represent a University with the highest possible principles,” Stoops said.

"I strongly support the decision of Coach Stoops," said OU President David L. Boren. "Coach Stoops has done the right thing. His action reflects the basic values of our University,” Boren said. “While this situation is deeply disappointing, the University is sending a clear and unmistakable message that OU will never compromise its high ethical standards or its integrity. We share the sadness about this situation with our fans and players who have followed the rules, but we believe in our program and in this team, which we know will carry on in the great Sooner tradition.”

Athletics Director Joe Castiglione said, “I am disappointed in these student-athletes. The education process is something that we take very seriously. We talk about it frequently and include guidelines in many of our printed materials. In the end, individuals must decide right and wrong for themselves and then live with the consequences. Unfortunately, many more people who themselves play by the rules are also affected by these consequences.”

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