Oklahoma Sooners star player Baker Mayfield has positioned himself as one of the top quarterbacks
entering the 2018 NFL Draft.
The brash Texas native and former walk-on doesn't have to answer many questions about
his talent on the field, but he does have a lot to explain about his behavior off the
gridiron.
From his highly publicized arrest to his clashes with coaches, press, and players, this fiery
competitor's brand of red flags and swagger doesn't sit well with everyone.
Let's take a deep dive into the shady side of potential NFL star Baker Mayfield.
Hung out to dry?
Mayfield received zero scholarship offers coming out of high school, so when asked at
the 2015 Orange Bowl which college disappointed him the most during the recruitment process,
Mayfield wasted no time dropping names.
According to Tulsa World, Mayfield said,
"[Texas Christian University] hung me out to dry..."
...suggesting that TCU effectively hurt his chances with other programs.
After Mayfield claimed TCU head coach Gary Patterson, quote, "doesn't like him," Patterson
clapped back, telling ESPN,
"If Baker Mayfield wants to blame TCU for 128 BCS schools not offering him a scholarship,
that's fine.
[...] If people knew the whole story, they might not have a great opinion of Baker or
his father."
Boozy arrest
In February 2017, Mayfield was arrested in Arkansas for "public intoxication, disorderly
conduct, resisting arrest and fleeing" after a scuffle in the middle of the night, according
to ESPN.
When an officer instructed Mayfield to give a formal statement, Mayfield allegedly began
yelling profanities, caused a scene, and tried to run.
The police report stated:
"Mayfield had slurred speech, had difficulty walking down stairs and was covered in food
on the front of his clothing.
[…] Mayfield sprinted away, which forced the officer to chase him and tackle him to
the ground."
Mayfield issued a lengthy statement via Twitter, saying in part, "I wish I could individually
apologize to every single person I have affected.
Just know that I am extremely sorry.
I will earn your respect back and prove that I can handle myself in every situation, on
and off the field."
According to NFL.com, Mayfield was ordered by the University of Oklahoma to complete
an
"alcohol education program and perform 35 hours of community service."
Keep the fire burning
If you've ever written a critical article about Mayfield, spewed a hot take on television,
or questioned his character, this guy will remember it… possibly forever.
Calling it his, quote, "secret way of keeping the fire burning," Mayfield freely admits
to keeping a running tally of everyone who has ever doubted him.
He told Sports Illustrated that he saves negative comments on his phone, saying,
"You keep scrolling down the list of things, and it goes back far.
It sums up my journey.
It's a reminder of how far I've come."
Planting the flag
After defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in September 2017, Mayfield took a victory lap
with the team flag... and planted it squarely in the middle of Ohio Stadium.
Needless to say, the magic of the moment was not shared by opposing players and fans.
Mayfield later apologized during a press conference for what many interpreted as a tremendous
display of poor sportsmanship.
"It's just something I got caught up in an emotional win.
Yeah, it should've been something I did in the locker room.
So I apologize for doing it in the middle of the field."
Did he learn his lesson?
Let's find out...
Infamous crotch grab
In November 2017, when Sports Illustrated tweeted: "Baker Mayfield didn't feel like
taking the high road today."
… they were referring to Mayfield grabbing his crotch and screaming "F--- you" to the
Kansas Jayhawks' sideline after throwing a touchdown pass.
The game's announcer was quick to point out what many viewers at home were thinking:
"NFL GMs are going to see that and they're going to mark it down, saying, 'That's not
what we want in the National Football League.'"
Mayfield once again found himself issuing an apology in a press conference.
"You know…
Thinking about the kids that are watching, it's not something I want to do, to the parents
out there, I'm sorry"
Not here to please
Love him or hate him, Mayfield isn't particularly interested in your opinion.
2 "I'm gonna be who I am.
I don't think I'm over-the-top cocky, I'm just proud of where I came from.
I'm proud of the fact that I had to earn it, so if that comes across as cocky to some people,
it is what it is."
"I'm not trying to please everybody."
NFL teams will have a difficult decision to make come draft night.
Is his talent worth the headache?
NFL fans have seen this story play out many times, but here's hoping Mayfield can turn
it around and enjoy a productive career.
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