Oklahoma State football: OSU's Paddle People told to take it down a notch

But Big 12 athletic directors passed a rule this week barring artificial noise-makers, and while organizations like the Paddle People were given grandfather clauses and can still pack their paddles to the ‘Pick, no more banging is allowed when opposing offenses are trying to run a play.

“It's going to affect us quite a bit from what we've been doing,” Duck said, starting with Saturday night against Texas. “I feel like we make a huge impact.

“We're being very careful these first few games. We don't want to cause OSU a 15-yard penalty. The consequences are scary.”

I don't know if a Big 12 ref would actually flag the Paddle People. Some might remember the referee at the OSU-Missouri game a year ago, warning the Mizzou band to quit playing as the Cowboys neared the Tiger goal line. No penalty was called, but one was threatened.

The rule is unfortunate timing for OSU. State could use all hands on deck against the 12th-ranked Longhorns.

But it could be worse. The paddles could have been banished. OSU athletic director Mike Holder made a plea to save traditions in some form, and Big 12 ADs agreed.

So now the Paddle People are subject to the same parameters as the bands and the canned music – make all the noise you want, unless the ball is in play or the offense is trying to set up for a play. Then, pipe down.

Duck said the Paddle People might just start slapping the padding with their paws. No rule against that.

“We're going to try to do something,” Duck said. “Keep it loud and try to support the team.”

The official rule was passed Wednesday, effective immediately, “to prohibit the use of artificial noise makers in all Conference sponsored sports in which NCAA rules are silent; and for existing in-stadium traditions to fall under the ‘Band/Audio Play' provisions contained in appropriate Big 12 Conference sport manuals.'”

And dissent comes from the most unlikely of precincts. Former OU tight end star Trent Smith, never bashful to bash all things OSU during his playing days, calls foul on the new rule.