Written by Jake Trotter at ESPN.com
Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield was twice brought to tears Monday while addressing his actions in Saturday’s game at Kansas and his feelings on the resulting discipline for his final home game this weekend.
Under a message painted onto the wall above the Sooners’ news conference backdrop reading “Mental Toughness = Doing the Right Thing for the Team,” Mayfield twice struggled to compose himself before wiping away tears while answering questions about the consequences from Saturday — and what his family means to him.
“Playing at OU is something I always dreamed of. Not starting is what it is. But not being a team captain is something so much more,” said Mayfield while addressing reporters after Monday’s practice. “It would be hard if it were a regular game. But it being my last one here ever, it means a lot more. It’s going to be tough.”
Mayfield will not start Saturday’s game against West Virginia as disciplinary action, coach Lincoln Riley said earlier Monday. Mayfield, a senior, will also not serve as a captain on Oklahoma’s senior day.
Mayfield said “it’s going to be hard to handle” not being a captain for his final home game at Oklahoma.
“I knew something needed to be done. I put Coach Riley in a terrible spot,” Mayfield said. “It was a hard conversation. Our relationship is the main reason. He wants the best for me, and so it’s tough. It was difficult.”
During the third quarter of Oklahoma’s 41-3 win in Lawrence, Mayfield grabbed his crotch and appeared to yell “F— you!” at the Jayhawks’ sideline.
“This decision was difficult,” said Riley, who also became emotional during his weekly news conference, unable to speak for several seconds.
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