Court: Oklahoma RB Joe Mixon assault video is 'public record'
An Oklahoma appeals court has ruled that footage of Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon punching a woman in the face should be released to the public.
Mixon was suspended from the football team for a year following the July 2014 incident, which was captured by surveillance cameras at Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe, a Norman restaurant. Mixon was charged with misdemeanor assault and eventually reached a plea deal. According to police, the woman involved, then-20-year-old Amelia Rae Molitor, suffered a “fractured jaw, fractured cheek bone, fractured sinus and fractured orbit which caused a hematoma on the left eye.”
The video of the punch was viewed by OU president David Boren, athletic director Joe Castiglione and head coach Bob Stoops, who decided to suspend the five-star prospect for the entire 2014 season, but let him remain in school.
Norman Police also arranged a viewing for local media members. However, a Cleveland County District Judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters that requested the city make the video public.
On Monday, the court overturned that decision, reinstating the lawsuit.
However, on Monday, an appeals court ruled the video is considered public record and must be released.
Since the video was shown in court, the video must be considered court record, meaning any member of the public should have access to the video for inspection or copying purposes.
Despite the decision, the city of Norman has no plans to release the video. From the Norman Transcript:
Asst. City Attorney Rick Knighton said the city would not release the video and maintains the video is the private property of Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe. He said today's ruling gives the city of Norman the discretion to release the video or continue withholding it, adding the city has always had the ability to release the video.
Here is SoonerScoop.com’s account of the footage:
Following the slap (from Molitor) across the left side of his neck, Mixon unloads a violent right handed hook. There's really not a nice or clean way of saying it. Molitor immediately falls to the floor from the strike, hitting her face on the edge of the table in the process. Mixon immediately bolts out of frame.
Via KOKH Fox 25, here is a copy of the court's ruling:
Court of Criminal Appeals - Mixon by amprickett
As a redshirt freshman in 2015, Mixon rushed for 753 and seven touchdowns. He also added 28 receptions for 356 yards and four more scores. Mixon faced the media for the first time prior to Oklahoma's Orange Bowl matchup against Clemson, but he refused to answer "non-football" questions.
For more Oklahoma news, visit SoonerScoop.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
