Mayfield stripped of captaincy, will not start against WVU
Lincoln Riley announced Monday that Baker Mayfield will not serve as a team captain against West Virginia and although he will play, he will not start in the game.
The decision comes after Mayfield grabbed his crotch and yelled profanities toward the Kansas bench following a touchdown pass last Saturday.
"All these players across the country are still young men, They're not adults yet, they're still learning" said Riley. "I think what we're setting forward is going to provide Baker an opportunity to do that. I know it's something that's certainly going to get his attention and I think he will handle it the right way, like he has just about everything he has here in his career."
After announcing the punishment, Riley broke down in his press conference when talking about his relationship with the star quarterback.
"Despite this, no matter how long I go coaching, whatever the rest of my career ends up being like, I don't know that I'll ever have a player that's as special to me as he is," said Riley just before breaking down.
"We've been through a lot together and he's a tremendous teammate, he's the best football player in America," Riley said after composing himself. "I'm proud as hell to be his coach."
Mayfield, considered by most to be the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, will play his final game on Owen Field Saturday.
Kyler Murray will start in his place.
The Sooners have already clinched a berth in the Big 12 Championship game where they are likely to matchup with TCU, who will face the 1-10 Baylor Bears Friday.