OU's Heisman Row Criticized for Being Extravagant

OU's Heisman Row Criticized for Being Extravagant

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- People in Oklahoma love college football and love to celebrate their heroes. At OU they have several statues of the great players, but one national writer thinks that's going too far.

Heisman heroes are statues in stone that are the larger-than-life likenesses of Billy Vessels, Steve Owens, Billy Sims and Jason White. They adorn the east side of Memorial Stadium, and most people seem to like them.

"I think we should honor them," said OU student Courtney Goss. "They do a good job. They bring a lot of money to our university. I mean, people love football."

But not everyone loves the statues. Last Friday in the Wall Street Journal, writer Darren Everson wrote, "If you need any more evidence that college football is in the midst of a new era of blind extravagance and euphoric self-congratulation, all you have to do is start counting statues." And Everson added, "Oklahoma...is becoming statue central."

"Well, we have a lot of history to celebrate, and I think our statues certainly do celebrate our history, but they also beautify our campus just like any other statues on campus would," Senior Associate Athletic Director of Communications Kenny Mossman said.

There are other statues on campus that recognize past presidents, professors, and politicians--not just athletes.

Love them or hate them, more statues are coming; one, of course, for Heisman winner Sam Bradford, and four for legendary coaches Bennie Owen, Bud Wilkinson, Barry Switzer and Bob Stoops.

"The coaches are part of what, you know, makes our team so successful, so why not honor them, too," OU student Kelly Marose said.

Two statues of coaches will appear later this season. A statue for Sam Bradford is probably at least a year away.