OU lineman quits to join Marines

Comments Comment on this article48

By Scott Wright
Published: June 17, 2008

NORMAN — Some Oklahoma football players might liken strength and conditioning coach Jerry Schmidt to a military drill sergeant. Now Britt Mitchell can make a first-hand comparison.

The freshman offensive lineman left the Sooners late last week and has enlisted with the United States Marine Corps, OU sports information director Kenny Mossman confirmed Tuesday.

“He has the coaching staff’s full support in pursuing something that has been attractive to him for some time,” Mossman said.

Mitchell, a 6-foot-6, 311-pound freshman tackle from Roscoe, Texas, enrolled at OU in January and went through winter and spring workouts with the team. He had begun summer training with Schmidt before deciding on a military career.

Mitchell’s departure won’t have a major impact on the Sooners. He was the least-recruited of OU’s three offensive line signees in February and was one of the lowest rated players in the 21-man signing class, according to Internet recruiting services Rivals and Scout.

However, offensive line depth could become an issue in the future. OU has five full- or part-time starters who will be seniors this fall.

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Related Topics: College Athletics, College Football, Football, Sports, U.S. Armed Forces Activities, U.S. Marines Activities


Comments

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"People are strange."
Jim Morrison
Roger, Keller - Jun 27, 2008 11:48 AM
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Strange.
Chad, Frisco - Jun 23, 2008 10:21 AM
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J...I'm thinking that some resentment was made because of Britt's decision to join the Marines and in the same article, stating that he wasn't at a level to be a loss to the Sooners. While I'm not totally certain, I can see where that might touch off some admirers to Mitchell's choice. And I do see that newspaper article as stating the facts as well. I'm under the impression that the article was not to denegrate Britt in any way. There were some "shaded" comments however, specifically... "OU retard comes out of the closet to go murder innocent women & children" that I personally took exception to. Perhaps I may be a bit thin-skinned, but really don't see a need for those posts that are hateful in every sense of the word.. That's my issue; the sadness comes from those types of subsequent posts...
Philip, West Windsor - Jun 20, 2008 8:54 AM
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Philip, what exactly is the issue here? A guy writes an article that states nothing but facts and gets ripped for it. Sounds to me people are jumping very quickly to join in. Wish the kid good luck, but I'm not going to go pounding my chest and get all pissed off because some writer writes the truth. Just look at Chris from Jones. This idiot jumps so quick he doesn't even realize what he's going off about. This is exactly what I'm talking about. Looks like a bunch of people just itching for a little excitement in their lives. To be quite honest, it's really sad.
J, mwc - Jun 20, 2008 7:58 AM
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I, too, share frustration with our politicians, and voice displeasure with most of their policies and misdirection. Didn't know that was the issue here. I merely thought we were commenting, with the exception of a few here, in support of our troops,specifically, Britt's individual decision, not governmental policy. That stated, whether we are able to make changes from behind our desks, or in the field, so be it. De Oppresso Liber
Philip, West Windsor - Jun 20, 2008 6:40 AM
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AMEN G, AMEN!!!
J, mwc - Jun 19, 2008 2:11 PM
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I've worked for the USG for over 10 years and can assure you this manufactured, never-ending "war on terrorism" lines the pockets of thousands of defense contractors, retired officers, and politicians and provides a negative return on investment. It infuriates me to see our dollars, soldiers, and national image going to waste while levees are breaking, and our bridges and economy are crumbling. So you can keep throwing out little patriotic catchphrases about flags and guns and I will get back to serving the country and trying to create change from the inside.
G, Oklahoma City - Jun 19, 2008 11:44 AM
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Why is this such a big deal? It's a freakin newspaper article which happens to say nothing that is not true. Calm down all you drama queens. (I guess this now makes me unamerican, right?? lol )
J, mwc - Jun 19, 2008 8:51 AM
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TU, your an embarrassment to all that exist. As long as you continue with that attitude, my dogs diarrhea will have a greater value than your life has.
Joshua, norman - Jun 18, 2008 10:22 AM

Couldn't have said it any better.

As for G, you will never understand what it means to serve until you do. Before I went into the military I thought I knew what it meant to be a patriot, but after serving it means so much more. Welcome to the club Britt.
michael, shawnee - Jun 19, 2008 7:56 AM
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Those freedoms that G refers to are rights that we all are given through the courage and sacrifice of our service people. If that is ever in question, I suggest that those that feel that our freedoms of today just happened to take place, expand your range to foreign countries to realize how those sacrifices made us the Land Of The Free.. De Oppresso Liber
Philip, West Windsor - Jun 19, 2008 7:33 AM
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Good luck, Britt in your endeavor and for attitude toward service.

As for you Tu, find the nearest bridge and take a flying leap. It will raise the IQ of the state.
John, Destin - Jun 18, 2008 7:28 PM
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Why do the same commenters on here that bash politicians relentlessly believe it is the ultimate patriotism to join the armed services and let the same politicians decide their fate? Blind devotion is not patriotism.
G, Oklahoma City - Jun 18, 2008 5:40 PM
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oh wait...they're on the OTHER article about this same story...my bad.
Chris, Jones - Jun 18, 2008 12:44 PM
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The thing that pisses me off about this, besides tuRD'S comments, is that someone has come on and wiped out a BUNCH of the first comments that were slamming the writer, Scott Wright, for being such a d*bag for saying that Britt wasn't much of a loss for OU...put them back up you commie bastards!!
Chris, Jones - Jun 18, 2008 12:42 PM
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patti rhymes with fatty
tu, Oklahoma City - Jun 18, 2008 12:38 PM
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see you at pride russel! don't forget the ice!
tu, Oklahoma City - Jun 18, 2008 12:37 PM
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T. A., Moore - Jun 18, 2008 12:19 PM
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T. A., Moore - Jun 18, 2008 12:17 PM
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G, you mean "far more honorable" like putting on a pink tee shirt and making an ass of yourself on a Berkeley sidewalk? Not hardly.
T. A., Moore - Jun 18, 2008 12:16 PM
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G and tu, there is not any higher honor than to write a blank check to your country that includes up to giving your life. Some of us on this board know it and even if not cashed in full, there is still a significant cost. Both of you need to go do something where your last words are "Hey watch this" so we can nominate both of you for a Darwin Award. You're written thoughts really have proven his point about the necessity to thin the gene pool occasionally. Semper Fi, MISTER Mitchell
Robert, Dallas - Jun 18, 2008 12:16 PM
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The fact is that as disgusting as tu's statement appears, this article isn't much better. Since when do "least recruited" and "lowest rated" fall into the category of honoring this young man's decision to join the Marines? Maybe tu works for the Daily Okie Dokie staff. As for Britt Mitchell, all I can say is thank you and God Bless.
T. A., Moore - Jun 18, 2008 12:15 PM
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tu, you're a disgusting human being. Maybe you should find another country to call home. You don't deserve the freedoms this country allows. One of which is to be the ass you most certainly are.
ROBERT, TULSA - Jun 18, 2008 11:49 AM
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I recommend you all become familiar with the story of Pat Tillman. There are thousands of more honorable ways to serve your country than grabbing a gun and blindly following orders from politicians.
G, Oklahoma City - Jun 18, 2008 11:46 AM
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ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha my god you "people" are cartoons!
tu, Oklahoma City - Jun 18, 2008 11:40 AM
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I know that responding to Tu is a waste of time. For all the informed and true Americans, please, let's not get any more disturbed by this moron. (or Das for that matter) Tu, obviously, has never had to hear a true hero beg to help him as he drew his last breath. Until he has been there, or can truly appreciate those that have served to allow him to live in the Land Of The Free, let's all focus on the good. I often wonder exactly Tu would be doing at this point had freedom not been won by our "brainwashed" Nation in the Nazi Era. God bless us all....
Philip, West Windsor - Jun 18, 2008 11:13 AM
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Tu is Das reincarnated. Just start looking for all the drug references.
Russell, Oklahoma City - Jun 18, 2008 10:49 AM
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could we all get together and buy tu a ticket to seldom-seen iraq??? then maybe he'd have some idea about what freedom really is. as for britt mitchell, thank you, sir, for my family's freedom, and that of this great nation. blessed be.
patti, el reno - Jun 18, 2008 10:33 AM
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TU, your an embarrassment to all that exist. As long as you continue with that attitude, my dogs diarrhea will have a greater value than your life has.
Joshua, norman - Jun 18, 2008 10:22 AM
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311 pounds? After boot camp he'll be 160.
Kevin, Shawnee - Jun 18, 2008 10:03 AM
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It has everything to do with your "so called freedom." People have fought for years to ensure safety for ignorant people like you. I have many friends that have been to the Middle East and the hardest part of their job is to have to hear things like that from morons like you. I suggest that if you can't have respect for our soldiers you need to go to another country where ignorance is tolerated.
Kristen, Oklahoma City - Jun 18, 2008 9:41 AM
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wow it's obvious that the brainwashing program has worked a treat on all of you...what on earth does the hostile and needless occupation of a third world country have to do with my so called freedom?
tu, Oklahoma City - Jun 18, 2008 9:26 AM
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Is TU from Texas University? Sounds like someone from Autin. Britt is sacrificing a boy's dream to play at OU to become a man and a heroe in most eyes. We all support our troups but that doesn't mean we support the war.
Janet, Oklahoma City - Jun 18, 2008 9:01 AM
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TU, how sad that you don't realize the sacrifice others make just so that you have the freedom to rant, rave, and just be an idiot. Good luck Mitchell and thanks!
Ken, McAlester - Jun 18, 2008 8:52 AM
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Or maybe it should read "serving our country to protect ungrateful people like tu in OKC, who have the right to say stupid things because of people like Britt Mitchell".
Jason, Inwood - Jun 18, 2008 8:45 AM
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TU...your a freakin idiot. Thanks to men like this young man, you have the right to say such lunatic dribblings as your last comment. You should be shaking his hand and saying "Thank You SIR...for allowing me to be able to be a complete moron."
Thomas, Eufaula - Jun 18, 2008 8:42 AM
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this article should read "OU retard comes out of the closet to go murder innocent women and children"
tu, Oklahoma City - Jun 18, 2008 8:04 AM
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This writer's paragraph referencing how his lost will have little impact on the team is a bunch of crap. He doesn't have a clue of this kid's potential or the understanding that many times the higher recruited don't always deliver, are injured, or just wash out. This type of speculation is bogus and his article should have stayed focus on the contribution that his young man and other like him are making allow these types of games to be played out in our country. Good Luck Britt and enjoy the experience.
Herb, Choctaw - Jun 18, 2008 7:41 AM
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So good to read the support we've all given Britt...I must say that in my day (Viet Nam Era) there existed very little support for troops either on their way overseas, or returning. If this country has learned one valuable lesson in the last 40 plus years or so, it's that as a nation, we need to support our troops regardless of individual beliefs in war time..God bless us all, and come home safe, Britt. Semper Fi, Marine...
Philip, West Windsor - Jun 18, 2008 5:14 AM
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Now this young man definitely believes in his nation and when he comes back, I hope we never waiver in our support for him. God is with you Mr. Mitchell and our prayers are always with you in battle! Come home safely!
Johnny, Mountain Park - Jun 18, 2008 12:11 AM
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Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem. Mitchell will make a difference. Good luck and GOD bless.
Lou, Yukon - Jun 17, 2008 11:56 PM
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Cool deal, I am glad to see he is pursuing his dream. Even though I am an OSU fan, playing for OU is one dream, but serving your country will always mean more than a college you spent four years at. Trust me, I know cause I served also. Good luck, Semper Fi
Tim, Stillwater - Jun 17, 2008 11:27 PM
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"Scmitty's" regimen is undoubtedly tough but basic will provide other types of challenges. Now that we are in war you lug an Interceptor Body Armor System aroud..at his size it will be huge and very difficult. Try walking around for 5 or 6 miles in one of those things in the heat! Its like lugging Rosie O'Donnell on your shoulders. Im sure he will make it and I applaud him. He will find plenty of challenges in his training and a 99% chance of deployment.
mitch, norman - Jun 17, 2008 10:31 PM
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Britt, it is more of a honor to see this than it would be to see you grab a loose ball and run it in for a winning touchdown in a national championship game. Good luck to you!
JJ, oklahoma city - Jun 17, 2008 10:30 PM
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From a Cowboy Fan...God bless you Britt. Thank you for making a difficult decision to leave a situation that many dream of (playing college football) to serve our country.
CP, Norman - Jun 17, 2008 8:55 PM
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Semper Fi, Marine...
Philip, West Windsor - Jun 17, 2008 7:17 PM
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Yea, at least he'll be ready to go physically. I had a friend of mine played college soccer and also played on a local rec team. He joined the reserves and boot camp was so easy for him that he had to do extra PT to keep up his body's competitive shape.
Jess, Warr Acres - Jun 17, 2008 7:13 PM
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His military boot camp won't be any tougher than
it was under Schmidt.
Manny, Pampa - Jun 17, 2008 6:47 PM
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Best of luck to you Brit and God bless.........
Greg, Oklahoma - Jun 17, 2008 6:42 PM
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