Norman, OK – Former University of Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops publicly criticized SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey on X after the conference ordered the Sooners’ game against the No. 19 Ole Miss Rebels to be postponed to Sunday. The decision followed a nationwide FAA ground stoppage that prevented the Rebels from departing for Norman on Friday.
FAA grounding forces schedule change
The Federal Aviation Administration halted all non‑essential flights Friday afternoon, a stoppage that lasted several hours and was lifted around 7:15 p.m. While most teams with travel plans were able to reach their destinations in time for Saturday games, Ole Miss could not secure a late‑night charter flight. SEC officials said the charter company could not accommodate a departure that night, forcing the team’s travel to be delayed until Saturday afternoon.
SEC threatens forfeit if game not played Sunday
Oklahoma Athletics Director Roger Denny issued a statement saying the conference warned the Sooners they would forfeit the contest if they refused to play on Sunday. “After multiple conversations with the league office, Commissioner Sankey informed us of his decision to move our game to Sunday, over our strong objection,” Denny wrote. He added that the league further warned that failure to play at the directed time would result in a forfeit.
Stoops calls the decision “absolutely wrong”
Stoops, the winningest coach in OU football history, echoed the administration’s frustration. “This decision by Greg Sankey is absolutely wrong. All of the power‑4 teams found a way to make it to their games, but Ole Miss wouldn’t … ASU is flying across country to UCF this AM to play today,” he posted. He suggested the SEC could have held Ole Miss accountable instead of penalizing Oklahoma, writing, “Greg Sankey instead of telling OU they would forfeit if they didn’t change the day, he could have told Ole Miss they will forfeit if they didn’t find a way to Norman even if game is delayed. But instead he didn’t!!”
Game outlook
The Sooners (5‑4, 3‑3 SEC) are looking to win back‑to‑back games for the first time this season after a victory over Florida in Jason Witten’s debut as OU’s offensive play‑caller. Ole Miss (6‑3, 4‑3 SEC) arrives in Norman with a 1‑2 road record. Both teams will now prepare for a noon kickoff on Sunday.
Community reaction
Local fans expressed mixed feelings on social media. Some praised the SEC for prioritizing safety amid the FAA disruption, while others sided with Stoops and Denny, arguing the decision unfairly punished Oklahoma’s players and fans. The controversy highlights the challenges of coordinating college athletics during unexpected travel disruptions.
As the situation develops, the SEC has not issued further comment. OU officials say they will proceed with preparations for Sunday’s game and hope the Rebels can arrive in time to compete.
Original reporting: KOCO Sports (Oklahoma City) — read the source article.
