While Oklahoma was being revealed as the No. 8 team in the new College Football Playoff Rankings, an apology letter from Joe Mixon to Amelia Molitor, the woman he hit in a Norman bar in 2014, was published by The Oklahoman.
Mixon was suspended for one year after agreeing to misdemeanor charge and a plea deal that included one year of probation, 100 hours of community service and cognitive behavior counseling. Since his return to the team and ascent to becoming one of the best offensive players in the Big 12, Mixon's growth and maturity have been praised by Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and others.
"For the last two years, my lawyers have advised me against speaking publicly about an incident that occurred very shortly after I arrived in Norman," Mixon wrote in a statement to The Oklahoman. "Today, I want to say what everyone deserves to hear from me about this matter: I am sorry."
Molitor pursued a civil suit against Mixon. According to The Oklahoman, "a federal judge in Oklahoma City dismissed two-thirds of the lawsuit on Monday, leaving only her claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress."
Mixon apologized profusely and noted both that he was not drinking the night of the incident and has "never had a drink" in his life. He also said some of his teammates were wise enough to leave but he did not. Mixon also alleges that racial slurs were "hurled" in his direction. He then says he was shoved and slapped by a woman as part of the confrontation.
"I reacted poorly--I struck her. It was a bad reaction, one that does not reflect my character or my values. I am sorry," he wrote.
"I apologize to Amelia Molitor and the friends who were with her that night. I apologize to my teammates, coaches, the University of Oklahoma, and its fans. I apologize to my family and friends. I realize I let a lot of people down. I apologize to all those I disappointed or hurt."
Mixon, a 1,000-yard rusher this season as of Saturday night's 56-28 win at West Virginia, said he would not comment further on the matter.
Oklahoma is off this week with extra time to prepare for the de facto Big 12 championship game against Oklahoma State on Dec. 3.
The full text of Mixon's statement can be read below.
Joe Mixon statement by NewsOK on Scribd
