Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley will be focusing on his team moving forward.
With COVID-19 sweeping across the sports world, that might not include several players from his roster.
Despite being extremely transparent about the virus affecting his team, Riley wouldn’t disclose any information about players who have allegedly opted out of playing the 2020 season.
“I visited with our leadership group, several of our older players,” Riley told media Tuesday. “Their wish, and I totally agree with it, is that we’re going to keep the focus on our guys that are here. If a player chooses to opt out, obviously that’s their choice. If they want to make an announcement or something, that’s up to the individual.”
So far, only RB Kennedy Brooks has publicly opted out.
Oklahoma has suffered plenty of other setbacks in the form of injures and suspensions. One being Jadon Haselwood, who will more than likely miss the beginning of the season with an ACL injury.
“He’s still around the team,” Riley said. “He’s still out there every single day. He’s still preparing as if he’s going to play tomorrow. He’s in every single meeting, every single walk-through.”
Oklahoma reported 17 positive cases on Monday, but Riley said in his conference that around half of those are no longer active.
The Sooners are set to kickoff on Sept. 12 versus nonconference opponent Missouri State.
[vertical-gallery id=16867]