Justin Blackmon, a sophomore receiver on the Oklahoma State football team, was arrested under suspicion of DUI this week, after he was pulled over on the interstate around Dallas-Ft. Worth.
Blackmon announced an apology following the announcement of his DUI arrest. He apologized to his family and friends, and to the school, according to NewsOK.
“I made a mistake, and I take full responsibility for it. I look forward to redeeming myself. This isn’t who I am.”
Blackmon has been suspended for a game by head football Mike Gundy, the match-up between Oklahoma State and Kansas State.
“In our opinion, what he did deserves a suspension for this game,” said Gundy. “It was very easy for us. That’s a decision he made, and he has to suffer the consequences.”
Blackmon was stopped after being clocked driving 92 miles per hour in a 60 mile per hour zone on Interstate 35. He was subsequently arrested for suspicion of DUI.
Blackmon didn’t have to speak to the press so soon after his arrest. However, he appeared at a press conference less than 48 hours. When asked why, he told the press, “to prove I’m not that guy and own up to my mistakes. I did it, and I should be punished for it.”
“6:51,” replied Coach Gundy about when he heard about the DUI arrest, referring to how early in the morning he got the call. “Usually when I get a call that early in the morning it’s not good.” Gundy also said that Blackmon was “a caring person who made a mistake.”
Several other OSU football players were in the car with Blackmon, though no other students have been punished by the football program for anything that occurred that night.
Blackmon has been tagged for speeding in the past, once for driving 20 to 25 miles per hour over the limit, and another time for driving 93 in a 70 mile per hour zone.
The legal investigation is still under way, so Blackmon didn’t answer any specific questions about the case.
According to Texas DUI law, a police officer doesn’t have to place a minor into custody for the Class C misdemeanor DUI.
