Former Oklahoma head coach Barry Switzer has something to say about the recent controversy surrounding the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity’s chapter in Norman.
Barry Switzer says calling all SAE members bigots ‘no different’ than racist chants
The legendary former Oklahoma football coach is an honorary member of the fraternity.
Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Video emerged Sunday of SAE members performing a violent racist chant on a bus, causing the university to sever ties, kick members out of on-campus housing, and start an investigation that could lead to expulsion.
Switzer appeared in a Monday interview on KWTV with SAE house mother Beauton Gilbow, a “longtime friend” of the former Sooners’ coach. KWTV says Switzer agrees with the punishment. Gilbow said the video surprised her, but video later emerged of her using the same racial slur.
“It hurts me because I have a vested interest in this. I am an SAE and I know the kids in this house,” Switzer said. “I spend some time over here, and I know what they’re like. Hey, I wouldn’t put up with that crap either, and they don’t either, and they don’t believe in it.”
KWTV says Switzer agrees with the punishment for the individuals involved, but the coach said he is “sorry so many good kids have been hurt in this.”
"I understood that supposedly they were called bigots that lived in this house, none of them could live on this campus," Switzer told KOCO in Oklahoma City. "I haven't seen the interview, but if that happened and occurred, that's no different from what those kids did on that bus. Throw a blanket over these kids that are here and say that they're bigots? That's unacceptable."
Oklahoma’s current head coach, Bob Stoops, joined his players and other students in protesting the video on campus. The team chose to forgo Monday’s practice for a silent demonstration.
The video has had implications for the program, as well. Four-star Texas offensive tackle Jean Delance decommitted from the Sooners after reportedly being disturbed by the video.
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Switzer added in a statement later:
While I support the University of Oklahoma and SAE’s decision to pursue swift actions, this situation is unfortunate for the many innocent people involved. As a long-time supporter of the University and member of the SAE chapter, I know the majority of our students don’t condone or participate in bigotry. These incidents are not a reflection of the true spirit of our campus.
I hope that we can begin to heal the wounds by avoiding rhetoric that fuels the fire and instead spend more time thinking about how we can collectively create positive relationships and interactions among our campus family.
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