Oklahoma surprised by delivery of 10-foot-tall Bob Stoops statue
Oklahoma planned to unveil a statue of coach Bob Stoops to stand alongside the likenesses of fellow Sooners legends Bud Wilkinson, Bennie Owen and Barry Switzer during the 2012 season, but the coach was uncomfortable with the gesture so it was delayed until a later date, according to ESPN.
It appears that later date has come, as the statue was delivered to the school’s campus uncovered on a flatbed truck on Monday, which was a surprise to everyone at the Norman campus. Turns out no one had been informed the 10-foot-tall likeness was on its way.
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ESPN reports that athletic director Joe Castiglione was not happy with the unannounced arrival of the statue.
"We did not receive any advance notice that the statue was to be transported to campus at this time. Moreover, we are extremely disappointed in the lack of consideration, respect and care that was shown in delivering the statue to Norman," Castiglione said. "This was completely unnecessary. It certainly is not reflective of the way we feel about Bob or the respect we'll show him when his extraordinary achievements are properly celebrated."
Stoops has a 175-45 record as head coach of Oklahoma. He last won a National Championship in 2000, his second year with the team. No date has been set for the his statue’s official unveiling.
– Brendan Maloy
