Red River Rivalry: Former Longhorn Kevin Durant wonders if there is any room for OU-Texas love this weekend There are plenty of couples, families and workplaces divided this week, and not all Oklahomans bleed crimson and cream. Just ask Oklahoma City's newest superstar.
The Thunder’s young star is playing up the Red River Rivalry. A couple weeks ago when he was at Oklahoma for the TCU game, the former Texas standout added “Hook ‘Em Horns” to every autograph and threw up the Horns hand sign in every photo.
“I just like to cause a little controversy,” he said mischievously.
Durant’s arrival in Oklahoma adds a new chapter to the rivalry. Sooners and Longhorns have intermingled for decades, oftentimes peacefully but sometimes violently.
Used to be, fans brawled on Commerce Street in Dallas the night before the game.
A year ago, Scrotumgate became all the rage after an OU fan reportedly grabbed a Texas fan’s crotch and wouldn’t let go. A lawsuit is still pending.
Still, thousands of Longhorn fans live north of the Red River while thousands of Sooner fans live south of it, and most go about their lives without incident. That includes Durant. “I love being in Oklahoma thus far,” he said, “and I’m going to love playing for (the people here.)” But cheer for the Sooners? “Never.” Growing up on the East Coast, Durant knew little of the rivalry until he arrived at Texas and saw the anti-OU paraphernalia in the bookstore. Even though he only played against the Sooners twice, those games heightened his understanding. Asked playfully at Thunder media day last week if Sooners and Longhorns can’t all just get along, Durant’s answer was quick. “No,” he said, “we can’t.” He laughed. “I like the rivalry like it is now — OU hates Texas and Texas hates OU. That’s how it’s always going to be. “I like it that way.”
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Lighten up, everyone. I hate UT with a passion, but Kevin was just having some fun. Besides, he spent only one year in Austin, so the infection won't have set in such a short timeframe. Also, I suspect that working for Clay Bennett will change him over the years. I predict that in 5 years, Kevin will have switched his allegiance.
OSU fan. I was kidding, you know, a joke. It should have been obvious because I mentioned that I liked Durant first. Oh, I also like Mack Brown and Colt McCoy but this is OU/Texas week. Man, a guys got to get a dig in somewhere. OJ is a murdering theif and a dirtbag. Durant seems like a nice kid. I dont see how my comments were ignorant or classless though, just a joke, AND that one little sentence was not even the point of my post.
Gary, First, I like Durant too. I dont care that he WAS a Longhorn (everyone makes mistakes, look at OJ) as far as city stature, the metro is only slightly smaller in population than Austin. Also, Devon is about to build a tower larger than anything in Dallas, with only 2 taller towers in Houston. Not that buildings make the city, but this city is groing fast. There are things to do and see like never before. Also, technically we have 5 professional teams. The rest are just minor league.
Wrong gary! Thats why your reading OUr Paper!! TexSux!! All Day! Get it right buddy! I personaly have no problem with KD representing his School! its just the wrong school! remember gary, Darrell Royal=OU Mack Brown=OU asst! So how did you get ur championships again? Now its time for KD to bring us one!
I would've left his autograph on the table. While it's fine for him to sign "bookem" he's playing for the Thunder now. Oklahoma will except him but Sooner fans will throw that autograph away until they get one without that commigarbage signed on it. Cmon Durant, don't go to OU games if your there to disappoint Okies.
It's OK all our players are from Texas anyway. But one nice stat is when we do play Okies they do big things, Jason White, Sam, Etc... Go Sooners, and Go Thunder too, even if they do have a (..spits) Longhorn on the team.
hahahahaha... I love Kevin Durant - All you gooners can wine, but I do not see the OU basketball program turning out any pro players lately. I guess that is why the OU sports department is giving away free tickets to the students for basketball games. And good luck keeping your pro team in the long run in dinky OK City with your small population and low number of corporate headquarters. By the way, Austin has a much larger population than OK city and is growing much faster. Perhaps Austin will steal your team some day, and your pitiful state can go back to having NO professional teams. hahahahaha
Maybe he will do us a favor and get on the injured list early in the season and stay off the court. That will give him time to go back to Texas and wet nurse.
The only way I could see OU and OSU being a real rivalry is if you look at it as a sibling rivalry. Big bro vs little bro...and big bro kicks little bro's butt 90 percent of the time.
And Mr. Bigglesworth, as for the "pretend Rivalry:" ask your daddy Bob Stoops why he called it bedlam a rivalry last year on an interview with FSN 30 minutes before the game... Is it a pretend rivalry for him too? Keep reaching bud.
Are you for real? KEITH Bookout...More like KEVIN Bookout, genious. Some kind of Sooner fan. Sure hard to be a Sooner fan and talk trash when there is ignorance out there like, KEITH BOOKOUT, to be thrown back in your face.
Second of all Bookouts not even in the league. I'm a Sooner fan and I will cheer my butt off for Durant and the Thunder!
No different than Roy Williams still being a Sooner. As long as he plays hard for the Thunder, I'm sure the fans will love him. If he slacks, boot and boo him.
I agree with Brian...I love to talk smack and troll, and its all in good fun. After all it is sports. Your not cureing cancer or anything. The OU/TX is definately a love, hate relationship. Every year, when I head to Dallas, for the RRSO, the rivalry between the fans and schools is amazing. Not like that pretend rivalry OSU tries to make against OU.
Durant seems to be a real good guy. This is pro-athletics people...everyone that plays and lives in Oklahoma doesn't have to be a Sooner...what Durant is doing is just lighthearted fun. I'm sure if he knew how weird SOME of you would take it he wouldn't do it anyhow. Get over it...Geez...I'm an OU Alum and see NO offense in his having a good time with it.
I don't mind supporting Durant even though he likes Texas more then OU. THAT IS FOOTBALL!!! Not even related to Basketball. He can hate OU for all I care, but that is not hating the own home team he plays for. GO THUNDER!!!
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Leave a comment. Log in below or sign up (it's free).Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on crime or fatality stories.
BOOMER!
And Mr. Bigglesworth, as for the "pretend Rivalry:" ask your daddy Bob Stoops why he called it bedlam a rivalry last year on an interview with FSN 30 minutes before the game... Is it a pretend rivalry for him too? Keep reaching bud.
Are you for real? KEITH Bookout...More like KEVIN Bookout, genious. Some kind of Sooner fan. Sure hard to be a Sooner fan and talk trash when there is ignorance out there like, KEITH BOOKOUT, to be thrown back in your face.
Second of all Bookouts not even in the league. I'm a Sooner fan and I will cheer my butt off for Durant and the Thunder!