Uh-oh! It looks like the Oklahoma Sooners hit a speed bump. The blame goes to Oklahoma running backs coach DeMarco Murray, to whom the NCAA has handed a one-game suspension. The division released the penalties on Tuesday, August 27. But what’s the fuss all about? According to the reports, Murray has violated the NCAA’s timeline for allowing coaches to contact prospects. The haters have been waiting with bated breath to drag the Sooners through the dirt. And finally, they caught hold of their golden opportunity.

Right before the 2024 kickoff, Brent Venables’ squad suffered a major blow. On Tuesday, the Division I Committee on Infractions prohibited unofficial visits in and around the 16th-ranked Sooners’ season opener game at home on Friday, August 29. According to the reports, Murray and his enforcement staff failed to comply with the rules. As per the findings, the RB coach contacted 17 prospects over a 16-month timeline. 

Also, the NCAA tracked Murray’s phone operations and showed him interacting via 36 impermissible text messages and 65 impermissible phone calls. Even though the RB coach had violated rules, it was obvious for HC Venables to bear the blows. However, he saved his back since he was not personally involved in the misconduct. But poor Murray!

Following the multiple self-imposed penalties, a 20% limit has been levied in Murray’s spring recruiting days. And what did the RB coach say about all that’s happening? He said he was unaware that the COVID-19 waiver of recruiting contract rules was no longer valid. However, the haters are unwilling to take Murray’s reasons at face value since reports suggest he had educated the Oklahoma coaches on the same topic.

DeMarco Murray’s recruiting ban leaves the haters hyped up

For how long Murray will be away from exercising his power? Per the penalties, there will be a three-week ban on recruiting phone and electronic correspondence for the Sooners. The time will be from December 8, 2024, to March 31, 2025. The haters, too, are taken aback with Murray at the edge. The penalty on the RB coach — a star who led Sooners to three Big 12 championship victories — was shocking enough for a fan to comment, “OU cheating . Shocked.”

Equally shocked, another fan commented about the mishap that involved Murray, who has a kickoff return average of 27.6 yards: “OU cheats…. Shocking.” The act was so disastrous that it led a hater to request to block Oklahoma from receiving any funds: “Defund OU compliance.”

Oklahoma has a long history of cheating allegations, dating back to the 1950s when they got into the NCAA’s radar for sponsoring tuition to players who had already graduated. “OU always cheats.” The three-time Pro Bowl selection getting exposed is a big deal, as another hater confirmed, “Cheaters are exposed.” Does that mean Murray is on the verge of losing his $575,000 job? Do share your thoughts!