When I think about Barry Switzer, I go back to the second time I saw OU on television (the first time was OU-NU 71, the first CFB game I ever saw, and I was rooting for NU)It was the Orange Bowl against Michigan. I was still a kid(8) but had started to really follow Football. At the opening kick-off, I was rooting for Michigan. I didn't know what a Sooner was, and thought that it was the dumbest name I had ever heard for a team. But by the end of the game, my mind was changed, and my heart forever belonged to the Sooners. Seeing Barry on the sidelines with his players almost brought tears to my eyes. Why? because I saw that many of his players were like me (African American) and growing up in Alabama in a time when the big two (Alabama, Auburn) had virtually none, definately caught my attention. Not only did Barry recruit African American players regularly, he had African American players at positions that at the time were not even considered. Thomas Lott was my hero! Barry Switzer doesn't get much credit for integrating the game of College Football, but he should. It was because of him that I learned what a Sooner is, and so truly love OU.

Barry Switzer has always been the most professional and a gentlemen when ever I've had contact with him. As time has passed, Barry has been an icon in Oklahoma and I'm proud to have met him, I have a picture of him with me on my office wall that I cherish and I will always wish him and his family well. As I get older I try to remmber the good things, and Barry Switzer has meant good things to my school, my state and my memories. If you haven't heard the coach speak at an event, go, listen, learn and be inspired. If Barry Switzer is remembered for all the good he has done on and off the field, everyone citizen of the world would do well to imitate what he has accomplished and achieved. God Bless Barry Switzer and all those who he has touched and inspired.

Your words are wise ones, Kelly. We are all human. Surely, we all have acted in ways we regret. It does trouble me when and if public figures act one way to the adoring public ....and another in daily interaction when the camera is turned off. It seems he was a bully...at least for a time. Deann didn't deserve that treatment. I have heard of other "celebrity" status notables who had two faces. It may be more common that we'd like to think. Hopefully, such a pattern is not the norm for the coach or has long been abandoned. Folks do mellow over time. The evidence of his devotion to family would seem to indicate that he has. In any case, his legendary status is recorded in the annals of Oklahoma football history. He has made positive contributions to our state, as well. I doubt there are many, if any, who would deny or begrudge him or anyone a happy birthday.

I have met Mr. Switzer on a couple of occasions in addition to having read his book. My impression is that like all of us, he was shaped somewhat by the environment that he grew up in. In spite of that, he chose to overcome the difficulties and make something of himself. Whether or not he uses salty language, or whether he chose to let his players be responsible for their own actions is not nearly as telling as to his legend as is all the charity work that he has done and the people he has helped. None of us is perfect and even Coach Switzer admits that he made mistakes. I think that how a man starts out is not nearly as important as how he finishes. Seems to me that Coach Switzer has his priorities in place with family and friends coming first. Regardless of his place in history or his legendary status, Happy Birthday to the coach and congrats on a great career.

Thanks, C. It is difficult for me when people talk about what a great guy he is. AND, HE MAY BE under certain circumstances. Just not my experience.

Deann...I have my opinion and cannot refrain from it in light of the way you were treated. Goodnight! ....what a BULLY! You were a young woman and he obviously offered you no courtesy or respect. You didn't deserve what you experienced and I think his behavior was inexcusable...period!!!!!

Thanks C/PV. I was 26 and expecting my daughter. It was a horrible experience that I was not equipped to handle. Were it to happen today, I would simply hang up. But, we weren't trained that way! So, I listened and tried not to cry (not very successfully)!

Deann, you have presented some inside information that seems important. If Switzer would treat someone as he treated you...he does not deserve all the respect which has been offered. When a man does one thing in public while folks are watching, but treats others shabbily when no one else can see...that says a lot about the character of the person and what it says is not worthy of returned respect for the individual. Actually, your account is more akin to the way I had previously perceived him...yet, as I said before, there have been some personal accounts from people I know which softened my opinion...I think since I don't really know him, I should simply not embrace an opinion of him. However, I am glad you told us your experience. That should be considered before people elevate him too high. Guess it is too late for that though...folks have done that and continue to...

OFF TOPIC..David/Altus, I did know that ...that was what bothered me...it was so NON-you, but it also made a statement about me.....I stood convicted. Wow! Did I get carried away trying to present another point of view in the effort of fair play..or what! It was ridiculous!! AND..so the shoe fit and I wore it! =) lol. thanks, David...p.s.Glad you are direct and not shy to speak your mind,BTW.

Ricky, I'll agree that he was good at drawing X's & O's on a play sheet--- and that the student players did the real work that made OU a giant in the world of football.

I agree with Jason/Oklahoma City. As an icon, I'd rate Bob Stoops above Barry Switzer, with my reasoning stated in a previous post.

Agreed, David. But you can't say he didn't help build the giant that is OU Football to what it is today, along with Bud. There are lots of people doing things just as bad or worse that he ever did...just look in the White House for examples. I don't think he is a "God", just a very good college football coach.

Ricky, Moore- You are certainly entitled to your opinion and to have it made a part of this forum. If you read back to the beginning of this forum question, I only expressed my own opinion- and I was then bashed by several rabid Switzer fans, who didn't like my opinion- because it differed from their own-- so then I did my own bashing-- and Switzer's bringing NCAA sanctions / penalties upon innocent kids & the college, his unethical actions, his foul mouth and other detractors are all truthful reasons why he shouldn't be "worshiped" as God's gift to Oklahoma football. My opinion [which I'm entitled too] is that anyone who continues to hold a Coach like Switzer [who brought penalties upon innocent kids- and a blemish on the only college playing record they will ever have] up as an ICON, are immature.

C, the comment about a desire to limit long postings was intended for everyone in general- a general observation that we [all] were guilty of writing mini-novels at times, including myself- you should know by know that I'm not shy about posting to individuals by name if I intend something for them specifically.

I have never been cursed as badly, meanly or as long as I was by "Coach" Barry Switzer. He harrangued me on the telephone over 30 minutes because I had the misfortune to tell him my boss was out of the office. Granted, my boss had been a former financial supporter of the team; and had withdrawn that support. But, I didn't lie to the coach when I stated the boss wasn't there; I offered to take a message; I tried to reason with the man. I have not been treated so poorly by anyone, ever! Even though that was almost 30 years ago, I lost all respect for the man that day. He never apologized, and so I never regained any respect for him. __________________________ ____________________ __________________ _________________
I am only stating my personal experience. He is NOT a "god", an "icon" or an "example" to be presented to young people. He's just a man, with a terrible temper and the most foul mouth I've ever experienced.

To David/Altus,
You have an opinion, everyone else has an opinion. No need to bash everyone elses opinion. Nobody is perfect. I'm sure you have done something to someone in your life that has had a negative effect on them. It happens. No need to call people "immature high-schoolers" because they have a passion for something. Let them live their lives and you live your own.

No, big deal, David. Except, please, next time, say it like it is...offer the "constructive" criticism to "me" if it is so intended...rather than to "someone." =)

C, I'm the first to admit that I'm not immune from writing my own version of "Gone with the Wind" on occasions.

"C" & Floyd, Thank you for your very kind support- I appreciate you both-- but its definitely not necessary to defend me to these people. Floyd- you give me way to much credit- I'm just an average [out spoken] adult, who knows its silly to let a [kids game] or its coaches / players have such a domineering part of a person's life. I think they've still got the mentality of a immature high schooler or college kid- thus not worth trying to reason with. ...To me, their just as silly as the guy I heard the other day talking about how he'd paid $500 each for Texas / Oklahoma tickets last year- plus his travel expenses, hotel rooms & meals- and this was a FedEx driver- who also worshiped the ground Switzer walks on. ......So what if Mr. Switzer won championships, was a great college recruiter of black athletes, brought recognition to OU & Oklahoma-- its how he got to that point in his history that I dislike-- and these people so easily ignore because hey, he's "BARRY SWITZER". Switzer used very unethical [many say illegal] means to get there- while his school and innocent players [who had absolutely no knowledge of Switzers actions] were penalized by the NCAA and now have a tarnished playing record in the history books because of Mr. Switzer. .... Innocent kids and their parents had paid out lots of their own money and millions of dollars in grants / scholarships were invested in hopes of these young men playing football at OU [without NCAA penalties detracting from their achievements or having wins taken away from their playing records or having scholarships withheld]- and what happened, they were stuck with serving out Switzer's penalties- while Switzer took his "golden parachute" and bailed out to pro-ball. Where he obviously wasn't all that great-- because he certainly didn't last that long. So basically, these people who are rabid pro-Switzer fans- are still kids attending the great "school pep assembly" of life- yelling as loud as they can that their coach is better than everyone else's-- Yeah, Fight, Win.. and all that crap!

Floyd, David/Altus gained my respect a long time ago and that has not changed. It seems unfortunate that someone is attacked for expressing personal opinion. As I said, I respect David/Altus and, like you, I don't think he deserves or should be bashed for expressing his opinions. So..just wanted to go on record with that thought.

Happy Birthday Barry.....Land of the free, home of the SOONERS.....BEAT TEXAS!!!!

For all of you bashing David from Altus; For someone who has spent their life's work in law enforcement, how can you possibly consider a football coach to be anywhere near the quality of person David, who lived risking his life so others could live, for a pittance of the income, to be fit to tie David's shoes. I have the same respect for our military. Keep writing David!

I don't know that too many around college football consider Switzer a "great" coach. I know for a fact that he is widely considered to be the greatest recruiter of black athletes EVER. I am an OSU grad, but I'll gladly concede the importance of Switzer to the OU football program. He did win 3 National Championships, BUT if I were an OU fan, I would take Bob Stoops' 1 National Championship and clean program over Switzer every day of the week and twice on Sunday ...

Happy Birthday Coach Switzer!! I hope you have a great day!

Happy Happy Birthday Coach! See all you Sooner Fans in Dallas! GO SOONERS!

There shouldn't be any bashing on a man's birthday, no matter who is (with the exception of a few) So happy birthday coach! Enjoy the cold pops in Dallas.

Jan, Oklahoma City....I appreciated your words very much. You sound as if you have much wisdom....it is so true that we all have both strengths AND weaknesses. It is important to look at a person's contributions of good rather than simply focusing on his/her flaws. More often than not, the good qualities will outweigh the bad ones. You have pointed out some things about Barry Switzer that should lend insight into his essence. I had never been a fan of Coach Switzer's...yet over the years I have heard some heartwarming stories that have given me pause. Over time, I have come to appreciate him for the person he is...thank you for reminding us that one doesn't have to be perfect to be a good person. Philippians 4:8

I guess the Barry bashers just ignored Switzer's work with the special Olympics, huh? And the many GREAT human beings that came out of his teams & talk about what a great influence Switzer was to them. In the late 80s, 6 players brought OU down. That was on a squad of 100+. Is Mack Brown responsible for the 6 UT players that have been arrested since June?

I caught my typo's gentlemen, go ahead and bash me for that as well. If it makes you feel better about yourself. I'm in a slight hurry as I'll be catching a plane to Dallas at noon here in San Diego.

It's very easy for cowards to sit behind a keyboard and bash someone that the only association they have had is heresay from the media. Odds are you would never have the privilege to ever meet Coach Switzer. Yet you aren't too proud to throw out barbs at someone you have never met. Pathetic people do such things. Yep, David in Altus I never grew up. But I am proud to know Coach Switzer on many levels and call him a true friend. And I am proud to avoid the people in life who always want to rain on someone elses parade because they didn't have what it take to get one themselves. Like a said earlier, Coach we can have a few cold pops in Big D in a couple of day. BOOMER SOONER BABY!!!

Keith, your writing to people [who support Switzer] who [although being adults] still think like high school or college kids- they just never grew up. So what if he got to where he is today via some unethical or criminal activity- causing costly sanctions on OU and inocent players- hey, he's coach Switzer- that's ok with them.

Well, let's see......his players had no discipline because they were always getting in trouble with the law.....anytime he is interviewed he is arrogant.....he has the filthiest mouth of any coach I know of (limited vocabulary), and anytime he does open his mouth, he is an embarrassment to Oklahoma (kind of like the Governor). I'm sure he will celebrate his 70th by going out and getting drunk because that's his style.

Above all, Switzer is a human being with visible strengths and flaws like the rest of us. His childhood shaped a man who could be charming while being direct. It also gave him a comfort around black people sadly lacking among many white Oklahomans. We know his failures as well as we know his many triumphs. We know he is not perfect, but he has given us many reasons to think he is, at heart, a good man.
Some of his worst mistakes as a coach came from his loyalty to the players he had recruited. In a world where loyalty can be a rare quality, it's hard to fault a man who has it.

Switzer, was the only coach I knew until he resigned/got fired. I remember listening to games with my grandfather back in 1973 and being proud of being a Sooner. Did Barry bring in some of the wrong people back in the 80's you bet he did. But it wasn't because he wanted to win football games and did not care about their past. He could get most players anyway, why get someone that was going to cause trouble. Barry just got caught up in the new wave of kids who thought they were above the law. Look at the wrap sheets for any school now, its a disgrace. Now Barry is no saint, and he did things in his personal life that can't be defended. However, on the football field and in the locker room he was able to bring the best out of his players. Barry understands every aspect of the College Football Game, -Recruiting, Player Development, and how offense and defense works together. He is one of the Best Coaches in College Football history, how many of us can say the same regarding our own profession. I have meet a lot of former athletes from Univ of Texas, Florida, Tennessee and others- who all said the same thing, once they started talking to Barry, they wanted to play for him. So judge him if you must, but don't discredit the man for his accomplishments. For me the mere mention of his name brings back fond memories of my Grandfather and me, So Happy Birthday Coach- I hope you have a Great One.

Nick of Norman - so now it's Barry's fault that people in this state are poor and uneducated. Give me a break. People are poor and uneducated because they chose to drop out of school or have more children than they can afford. And all the money in the world for education will not make a difference if students are not focused on learning.

Barry Switzer to me is kind,loyal,and passionate..he didnt create Oklahoma Football the monster it is,but made the comment onced that all he was doing was feeding it.

I just like Barry.

Bring up OU and the aggie's come crawling out to bash. Come at me, I'm a MAN, I'M 40!!!!!!!!!

Barry Switzer represents what Oklahoma is all about. Honest, straight speaking people who work hard, love to make sure people know where their from and are passionate fun loving people. Barry had time for everyone no matter who you were and the ole guy can tell a story like no one else. Thanks Barry for playing a part in our great tradition and making it easy to live south of God's country!!!!!!!! BOOMER!

As an OU fan I always admired Barry Switzer as a coach. But, honest? A source below listed the "Phoenix Resources oil exploration scandal," The Daily Oklahoman on Sat September 22, 2007, carried the article "Tax credit letter causes public outcry" telling of Switzer's involvement in one of Oklahoma's biggest scams (tax credit abuses robbing $100 millions in state tax revenue), messing with his assistant and best friend at the times wife, questionable recruiting. Note: Governor Brad who Switzer supposedly got elected, claimed to have put a stop to the tax credit abuse scam over a year ago. The Gov also claimed he was helpless to investigate or try to recover any money after it has been scammed. Meaning his friends can break the law and he can do nothing. It is all there in several articles in various state newspapers. Google Prowling Owl and you can find links to all of the articles. Honest? It is that kind of honest that is keeping Oklahoma uneducated and poor. If you are not familiar with how poor we are take a look at Oklahoma's ranking near the bottom of all 50 states. Now we see what Switzer's success
in business really is. Sad, but wrong is wrong! You can't win enough football games to compensate for
stealing from the education, bridge and highway safety, health care, etc.

NewsOK, Didn't you ask this question a couple of days ago? I realize Oklahoma City's top concern is fishy but I'd like an answer to a question. I hear we are to vote Oct.9 on a bond issue which includes building 46 new gymnasiums. Does this mean all our roads and bridges and other problems have been financed and this is extra money the city council feels the taxpayers may squander on food ,clothing and housing and what happens with all the lottery money that was to fund education? Are my questions unfair?

Growing up in the 70's and 80's, Barry Switzer was Oklahoma football. The passion for winning and the arrogance he had for the program was in part because of his love for his players and that program.. I really believe we will never see that again at OU. Happy birthday to an ICON..The KING Barry Switzer

OU football took Oklahoma from the Dust Bowl to the Orange Bowl, and Barry Switzer was a large part of it!
Thanks Barry, and Happy Birthday!

Happy B-day, BARRY. Favorite coach.

Switzer had his frailties, most of which he has confronted publicly, but there's something inherently admirable about a man who draws so much love and loyalty from those he surrounded himself with.
I find Switzer's devotion to his players, his children and the University of Oklahoma admirable. It's more than a little ironic that there are those who continue to criticize him in this thread for attempting to feed the Oklahoma monster with talent. Yet those same people conveniently ignore this simple fact: What happened at Oklahoma has happened at many Division I football programs since.
As for Switzer's personal warts, I believe he's stated publicly that he was a bad father and a bad husband as a young coach. Those who continue to begrudge Switzer his due for faults he has publicly confronted have their own demons to confront, and I attach no credibility to them.
I think that Barry Switzer the man, and Barry Switzer the coach, have made significant contributions to the state and to the university. Happy 70th, Coach. May you have many more.

I was brought up by parents who taught me not to say something if it wasn't nice ... so all I'll say is ... happy birthday, Mr. Switzer.

I think some of the problems Barry Switzer had were because he cared to much. He wanted to help his players, give them a second chance. I will not judge him for his mistakes, I have to many of my own. Happy Birthday, Barry, and many more.

Barry has without a doubt left his mark in OU football and the state to for that matter. As to the character of that mark it is much like beauty. It is in the eye of the beholder.

Either through jealousy or ignorance many people don't understand what OU football means to the state of Oklahoma. It has a brought much pride to our people and national attention. Yes, in some instances that attention has been negative, but for the most part Oklahoma is known throughout the nation for its excellence on the gridiron. When I travel and mention that I from Oklahoma, many times people ask me how the Sooners are going to do the upcoming season. That's just a fact of life whether many of you are willing to admit it or not. Coach Switzer for all his shortcomings did make the Sooners a college football power and most people look at his positives rather than his negatives. Happy birthday, Barry.

Nate Newton? NATE NEWTON?! Nate Newton did time for drug trafficking. I think that qualifies as a scandal.

"Other good, self professing christian NFL football greats [who aren't involved in scandals and are active in business, volunteer / charity work and churches] include: NATE NEWTON"???? David, are you kidding me?? No offense to big Nate and I'm not trying to drag him through the mud but damn dude, Nate just got out of the pen for transporting dope across state lines, TWICE!! I think the part you are missing, David, is that we are all human, we all make mistakes and fall short but that isn't what defines us. At the end of the day, when it's time for God (and apparently YOU) to judge, I'm sure he'll want to know how many people did you lend a helping hand to, how many less fortunate human beings were better after having met you, and I think that there are far more people Barry Switzer helped than he could ever hurt. You might want to try helping others yourself David by logging off now.....

David, I think your "appreciating" nice, christian coaches is very...christian of you. Typically, persons that appreciate christian coaches, teachers, mechanics, etc., etc., etc., are "christian" themselves. However, your judgmental tone can be read and I find that rather... "non-christian". You are correct when you say, "football is just a game". Despite the fact that it is "just a game", you sure did get awful worked up about a man that has been admired for NUMEROUS reasons regarding "that game". Football is just fun and exciting. I thought Christianity was supposed to be that way too...yet your professing your desire of "christian coaches" in a hypocritical manner. Suggestion? Focus less on an admired coach and Oklahoma contributor and more on your "rusty" ability to show love, compassion and forgiveness.

David, don't get so worked up. I have my right to MY opinion, just like you do. I am certainly NOT a sad individual. We just have different views. Get off your soapbox.

I just don't idolize him or sports-- I've got a real life.
David, Altus - Oct 1, 2007 6:17 PM

Your words, copied and pasted. So there!

David, don't get so worked up. I have my right to MY opinion, just like you do. I am certainly NOT a sad individual. We just have different views. Get off your soapbox.

Never said I didn't like sports, I said football was just a game- which certainly doesn't justify illegal & unethical activities to win- which is why the NCAA penalized OU & Switzer..... as for truly great football coaches who weren't involved in any scandals there was good ole Tom Landry & Vince Lombardi, just to name two- whom Mr. Switzer isn't good enough to even hold their hats. Other good, self professing christian NFL football greats [who aren't involved in scandals and are active in business, volunteer / charity work and churches] include: Darrell Green, Danny Wuerffel, David Pollack, Phillip Fulmer, Ben Watson, Caleb Miller, Fuad Reveiz, Kendrick Scott, Charlie Waters, Shawn Harper, Doug Pelfrey, Will Paris, Karl Mecklenburg, Jeff Hall, Roger Schultz, Will Overstreet, Bobby Humphrey, Jay Barker, Will Bartholomew, James Mitchell, Nate Newton and many other christian athletes--- so I think your a pretty sad individual if you look up to Mr. Switzer as a football "Icon"- as you wouldn't have to look very far to do a whole lot better.

I am old enough to remember the Switzer years. For sure the man had/has his human frailties, but I possess one or four of may own so I better not be too harsh concerning that. I admired the way his teams usually found a way to win when they shouldn't and the respect he had for his players. I believe his coaching afterlife is equally impressive. 40 plus years as assistant coach, head coach, and unoffical OU ambassador commands respect whether you like him personally or not.

Danny, Are you even from Oklahoma?? Think what you want, but to me, Switzer put Oklahoma in the football game. I grew up watching Switzer football and will always be proud, even through the scandals. What WINNING coach hasn't had one? He may have made some mistakes, but make no mistake, he won championships. For those of you who don't even like sports (ie, you folks in Altus) Stay off the post! Its about sports, which, you don't even like!

Well, I suppose if you forget (and most OU fans certainly look the other way as long as games are won) that Switzer was an adulterous Arkansas lout (that must be a badge of honor in Arkansas) within his own coaching staff (that's loyalty), recruited enough ganstas to turn the athletic dorm into some drug and gun filled ghetto, then had the intelligence to get a handgun through the DFW airport (duh...I forgot..he, he..)then OU fans can be very proud of Barry Switzer, Bootlegger's Boy.
Since then, OU has continued to find itself under the NCAA microscope for a number of offenses, but as long as it puts "Ws" on the board, who cares, right?!
Pathetic. Switzer is a slut and a despicable human being, but OU fans and this newspaper continue to hold him up like some sort of God.
OU has sold it's soul to the devil. Without a successful football program, many OU fans are adrift to wander like ghost in a haunted offseason. What shallow self-esteem to tie oneself into a rotten program.

Say what you want about Switzer. Say what you want about OU Athletics! Barry Switzer is a man with a charismatic personality, who treated me with a great deal of respect the 3 separate occasions I had the opportunity to meet him. He is a great business man and stood behind his staff and players. As far as the "illegal and unethical activities" goes. Whatever. I wonder, of those that were named below, how many of them just didn't get caught? We could sit here all day long and name names and point fingers. David, you can think whatever you want to think about being a "sad individual" for looking up to Barry Switzer. I love him! Always have, always will! The Killer Bs!!!! Bud, Barry and Bob! Go Sooners! Happy Birthday Barry!

For Oklahoma, Switzer continued the option run game of Bud Wilkinson, but added speed. He also excelerated the integration of black athletes in the Big 8.

David,Altus, I guess old men like you and me sometimes se things a bit different than these young whippersnappers. (Isn't that what we old fart windbags are supposed to call them) Forget the bag part of windbag as I was a dairyman and you have a mother-in-law you once mentioned. Really when it comes to balls I'd rather watch a dog or my 1 year old grandson playing with them. Fun for free and no stress!

The Bootleggers Boy has done wonders for Oklahoma and OU. Say what you want to say about him. I will be right there in line to share a few cold pops with Coach as well. Anyone who downgrades him has no life to speak of. B-Dog, see you in Big D. OU 31 ut 10.

Y'all need to ease up on David NOW!!!!! Very obvious he has a right to his honest opinion, no matter how far from the truth it is. We all know Mr. David is an Orange Aggie or a Longhorn who has had his heart broken by Coach Switzer somewhere down the line numerous times. Coach, you gave the state of Oklahoma and THE University of Oklahoma more than JUST football. Happy Birthday!!! If I see you in Big D on Saturday I'll buy you a cold 'pop', or two.:)

He should be just as proud in getting Gov. Henry elected. That may have been the biggest upset that he pulled off.

Happy Birthday Coach!

David,

Are you just a bored old man?

Phoenix Resources oil exploration scandal is all that affected me. He could have just been an innocent investor. What interests me is did I hear correctly that the bond vote Oct. 9 is to buy 40 new gymnasiums? I thought the lottery was supposed to take care of school funding.

And to think, all these years I thought it was the skill, heart and physical abilities of the players on the field that won all those games & championships. Common, Switzer's not a [god], so stop worshiping him like he was one-- He's just a 70 year old man & football is just a game, like its always been- no different than bowling or horse shoes-- just a game. Some people escape reality for a while via drinking or drugs, others live in a fantasy world of football, baseball, basketball or some other sport. I'm not a Switzer hater or a disparager- I just don't idolize him or sports-- I've got a real life.

P.S., Happy 70th Birthday Coach!

Switzer haters (woops!) disparager's, just don't get "it!" Don't ask what it is because if you have to ask, well? Switzer is as great, to me only I'm sure, as the Grateful Dead. Whom, by the way, I also got! Just a wild comparison from a "head." so be kind - I'm old.

Barry Switzer was the all-time winningest coach to ever coach at Oklahoma. He won 3 national titles and more than 10 conference championships. He had a 30+ game winning streak and had the best record against Tom Osborne of any coach that Osborne competed against. It took Switzer resigning for Osborne to be able to win a national championship. What made Switzer the most well known was his personality. He was one of the most likable, fun-loving person you would ever meet. He is still just as personable as he has always been and feed the Sooner monster that Bud Wilkinson created back in the late 40s. Barry Switzer will go down as the most flamboyant confident coach to ever coach the game of college football.

Yeah, and just look what we ended up with! :>(

BARRY WHO? WELL UNTILL "BARRY WHO" ENDORSED BRAD HENRY FOR GOVERNOR, THAT CAMPAIGN WAS GOING NOWHERE. THAT SHOWS HOW MUCH HE MEANS TO OKLAHOMANS.

Barry who?

Unless your a rabid football fanatic, why should Mr. Switzer currently mean anything to the State of Oklahoma [or football for that matter]? Mentioning his name and 50 cents wouldn't buy you a cup of bad coffee anywhere today- not even on the OU campus. For my money, Switzer, B. Bonds and Pete Rose can sit at a table and relive their memories between themselves if they want too, but I think Oklahoma has far better icon[s] to look up too.

Right on Ken. Barry was and still is a WINNER, a SOONER WINNER! I loved his attitude and swagger that was infectious to everyone around him and to whomever he met. Barry is what made Sooner Magic work. He taught the players to believe. He was seldom outcoached, maybe out played but seldom out coached. The best for Coach Switzer.

I was thinking just the opposite Ken. He has meant nothing but embarassment to the state because when his name is brought up elsewhere, the first word that comes to most people's mind is "Cheater". His tenure at OU was marked with rampant cheating and thuggery in the football dorm. I guess the best one word summary would be simply "Sooner".

National championships is what makes Barry Switzer an icon. Barry brought on "Sooner Magic". Despite the troubles in the 80's, he'll always be known for the big wins and national titles.