A lengthy and protracted legal battle has seen yet another development.
Tuesday morning, The Oklahoman writes, "[t]he Oklahoma Supreme Court... ruled a surveillance video of Sooner running back Joe Mixon’s punch must be released.” The Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters had sued for the video’s release.
In mid-August of 2014, Mixon was suspended by Oklahoma for the entire 2014 season, a punitive measure that meant the running back would be excluded from any and all team activities. The one-year suspension came about after Mixon was accused of punching a woman in a late-July confrontation, breaking four bones in her face and leaving her unconscious. Media covering OU viewed a copy of the security tape that caught the exchange, including the knockout punch, between the woman and Mixon; Mixon’s attorney had previously claimed the altercation was preceded by racial slurs.
The OU hierarchy, including president David Boren, athletic director Joe Castiglione and head football coach Bob Stoops, viewed a copy of the video prior to suspending Mixon.
In late October, a plea deal was reached in the case that helped Mixon avoid a trial. As part of that deal, Mixon was given a one-year deferred sentence, 100 hours of community service and will be required to attend cognitive behavior counseling. In February of last year, Mixon was welcomed back to the Sooners.
Five months ago, the victim of the punch, Amelia Molitor, sued Mixon. Shortly after two-thirds of her lawsuit, Mixon penned a letter of apology to Molitor.
This season, Mixon leads the Sooners in rushing yards (1,183) and is second in receptions (32) and receiving yards (449). His 15 total touchdowns (eight rushing, five receiving, one kick return, one passing) were second on the team.
