A lesson learned College football: Oklahoma State begins its journey with the first day of practice Pettigrew says he's trying 'to be better' after arrest

STILLWATER — "Embarrassed” was the word that kept coming out of Brandon Pettigrew's mouth as he was being asked about his arrest last January. And it was often followed by the phrase "moved on.”

Players stretch during Oklahoma State's first football practice Thursday in Stillwater. Photos by MATT STRASEN, THE OKLAHOMAN

The Oklahoma State tight end, addressing the media for the first time since being charged in the offseason with misdemeanor assault and battery, didn't back down from the questions. But he kept his focus on the future — where he has a chance to repeat as the Big 12 Conference's top tight end and potentially be a first-round NFL draft choice.

"It was real embarrassing,” Pettigrew said Thursday after the Cowboys completed their first practice of the season. "I'm not a trouble-maker. It was something that just happened. I can't take it back. All I can do is look forward and try to be better about stuff next time.

"I got past it and moved on. I'll be better about the way I do things next time.”

Those who know Pettigrew best say the incident was a mistake, not a behavior trend.

"It embarrassed him more than it has anybody else that's associated with Oklahoma State,” said coach Mike Gundy. "He learned his lesson.”

Added quarterback Zac Robinson: "Brandon's never been a bad guy at all. He's a great guy. He made one mistake. He knows that, and he's learned from it. He had a great attitude this summer.”

Just days before the arrest, Pettigrew had announced his intention to return to OSU for his senior season, despite being talked about as a high-round pick in the NFL Draft.

With a promising NFL career still ahead of him, Pettigrew knows he can't make such a mistake again.

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