Cale Gundy, the Oklahoma Sooners’ longtime wide receiver coach, has resigned, citing an incident during a team film session.
Gundy, who has been with the franchise since 1999, announced his decision via Twitter.
“I owe it to Sooner Nation to be transparent about what led to this decision,” Gundy, 50, wrote. “Last week, during a film session, I instructed my players to take notes. I noticed a player was distracted and picked up his iPad and read aloud the words that were written on his screen. The words displayed had nothing to do with football.”
Gundy admitted that “one particular word” he said aloud during the filming session was inappropriate.
“One thing that I should never, under any circumstances, have said appeared on the screen. In the moment, I had no idea what I was reading, and when I did, I was appalled.”
Sooner Nation, thank you. pic.twitter.com/BYBOjObGna
— Cale Gundy (@calegundy) August 8, 2022
The longtime assistant coach informed Sooners supporters that, while the words he read aloud were not his own, he is “mature enough to know that the word” was “shameful and hurtful.” Gundy continued: “The regrettable reality is that someone in my position can create harm without intending to do so. In that situation, a man of character accepts responsibility.
Following his official announcement and public apologies, Gundy thanked the players and coaches who supported his choice. “While considering this decision, I was overwhelmed by the affection and support of individuals who know me, my personality, and my enthusiasm for this program. I am grateful for the support my teammates and coaches have provided. That support means more to me than words can explain.
“Coaching this football team truly has been my life’s passion,” Gundy wrote. “But I leave confident that the team will continue to prosper and I leave with the tremendous love for the University of Oklahoma and its athletics department.”
Brent Venables, the Sooners’ head coach, made a comment about Gundy’s resignation via Oklahoma Football’s Twitter account. “With sadness, I accept Coach Gundy’s resignation. “He’s dedicated more than half of his life to Oklahoma Football and has done an excellent job for our program and university,” Venables said.
The Oklahoma head coach went on to say, “We appreciate that dedication. We also recognize that by stepping away, he has prioritized the program and the well-being of our student-athletes. In coaching and in life, we are all responsible for our actions and the results.”