Former Oklahoma State, NFL player John Henry Ward a real Oklahoma hero

“We absolutely knew he was one of the honest ones,” Price said.

Ward helped with the investigation. He didn't go undercover, didn't wear a wire, but Price didn't blame him for that.

Price convicted commissioners from 60 of the 77 Oklahoma counties. But he estimates that out of more than 200 commissioners total, only 10 were honest.

Later, Ward served as executive director of the Association of County Commissioners and helped to restore some credibility to the office.

Ward even asked Price, the great villain to county commissioners, to speak at their association meeting.

“He was definitely a good guy,” Price said. “One that ought to serve as a great example.”

Since 2002, Ward had been vice president of The Poultry Federation and director of its Oklahoma City operations.

“I used to cheer for John Ward at OSU, both on the field and the mat,” Daxon said.

“A lot of county governments today leave much to be desired, but few are outright crooks. Oklahomans thankful for the improvement should be thankful that we had John Henry Ward.”

Berry Tramel: Berry can be reached at (405) 760-8080 or at btramel@opubco.com. He can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including FM-98.1. You can also view his personality page at newsok.com/berrytramel.