Baker Mayfield Won't Start vs. West Virginia After Kansas Antics
Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield won't start Saturday's home game against West Virginia, head coach Lincoln Riley said.
Riley added that Mayfield won't be a captain but will see playing time against the Mountaineers. Backup Kyler Murray is expected to start the game.
The Sooners have already clinched a berth in the Big 12 title game and are ranked No. 4 in the latest College Football Playoff Top 25.
Mayfield's actions during Oklahoma's 41–3 victory over Kansas drew the ire of many people, including Riley, who said his behavior was "unacceptable."
Mayfield was seen on the sidelines grabbing his crotch and screaming profanities at the Kansas players after a touchdown pass in the third quarter.
Before the game, Kansas players refused to shake hands at the coin toss and were also flagged for a late hit on Mayfield in the second quarter.
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Mayfield apologized after the game.
"I got caught up in a competitive game, a chippy game, but what I did today, tonight, was unacceptable," Mayfield said. "I am a competitive player but what I did was unacceptable so I apologize. It's disrespectful. It's not the example I want to set. It's not the legacy I want to leave at OU. I truly do apologize."
Mayfield, who was arrested this offseason after a run-in with Fayetteville, Arkansas police and charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and fleeing, also apologized for planting a flag at midfield at Ohio Stadium after the Sooners' 31–16 victory over Ohio State in September.
The two-time Heisman finalist is the odds–on favorite to win the trophy this season.
Mayfield is completing 71% percent of his passes for 3,816 yards for 34 touchdowns and five interceptions this season for Oklahoma, who lead the nation in total offense.
