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Thu June 26, 2008

This wasn't the best time to bring up Sutton's signature

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This is one of eight possible options, and one of five including Eddie Sutton's signature, for the new painted hardwood at OSU's Gallagher-Iba Arena.
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By Berry Tramel
The Oklahoman
Gallagher-Iba Arena's hallowed hardwood needs a paint job. The relationship between OSU and its revered former coach needs soothing.

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The latter is the more pressing need.

So why did State even offer up the possibility that Sutton's signature could be removed from the court that bears his name?

Last week, OSU unveiled eight options for a new court design and asked fans for feedback. Three of those designs removed Sutton's signature, but not his name. This week, Sutton said he would be surprised if OSU went sans signature.

OSU officials said more than 15,000 fans voted, including some suggestions that were variations of the eight options. All ideas will be reviewed.

No, a signature is not that big a deal. Except OSU made it a big deal back in 2005 when it christened the floor Eddie Sutton Court. And rightfully so. It was a big John Hancock, but a classy move by the school whose athletic status was in large part saved by Sutton's basketball renaissance.

So with Sutton still burned, naturally, by the removal of his son as coach in April, why even toy with the chance of further breaking ties with such a Cowboy icon?

Remove the signature five years from now, and maybe it's not a big ripple. Remove it just after Sean Sutton loses his job, and how could it be construed as anything but another attempt to sever Sutton ties?

This was a PR mistake. Even if you believe the Sutton signature is too large or too garish — I don't necessarily think so in either case — this was no time to even discuss it. The wounds are too fresh.

A new court is not worth an old bond.

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