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GRADES

sooner sugar babies SUPREME COURT REJECTS GAY MARRIAGE BAN APPEALS

news

OCT. 6 The Supreme Court’s rejection of appeals of gay marriage bans in the 7th and 10th Circuit Courts opened the doors to marriage for gay and lesbian Oklahomans Oct. 6. Citizens of five states, including Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Indiana, Utah and Virginia were immediately affected by the Court’s orders. The Cleveland County Courthouse began issuing marriage licenses at about 1:45 p.m. the day of the decision. By 5 p.m. that evening, the courthouse had issued marriage licenses to seven same-sex couples, according to The Daily archives. County courthouses throughout Oklahoma also distributed marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples in the hours and days following the Supreme Court’s decision, according to The Daily archives.

roundup STAFF REPORTS

THE

A lot can happen in a semester. We summarized this semester’s top new stories so you don’t have to.

TON

OCT. 15 Freshman Alan Hruby returned to his family’s home in Duncan, Oklahoma, on Thursday, Oct. 9. He confessed that while he was there, he used a stolen handgun to murder his mother, father and seventeen-year-old sister before fleeing the scene. Police took Hruby into custody on Oct. 13, and he was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, all of which he confessed to. Hruby was also charged with fraud for opening a credit card in his grandmother’s name, a crime for which he received three years in prison. Hruby’s next hearing will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

AUG. 9

PHOTO PROVIDED

PR OV I

MORE ONLINE

Weeks of conflict and protest broke out after a white police officer shot and killed an unarmed black man Aug. 9 in Ferguson, Missouri. A grand jury decision not to indict Darren Wilson, the officer who fatally shot the 18-year-old Michael Brown, enflamed tensions and caused further demonstrations in Ferguson and around the country. Throughout the U.S., people took to the streets to protest the grand jury’s decision, often expressing anger at police brutality and systemized racism. OU students also protested the decision. The Black Student Association held a moment of silence for Brown and his family following the decision’s announcement at 12:30 a.m. Nov. 25 in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. During dead week, a group of students assembled to spread information about the situation in Ferguson around campus late Thursday night and into Friday morning. The students handed out fliers with information about the case and equal rights and wrote messages on white boards.

Partly cloudy today with a high of 63, low of 36. Follow @AndrewGortonWX on Twitter for weather updates.

Go to OUDaily.com for the full news roundup including the following: + YELLOW CAb ACCUSED OF VIOLATING OU’S SAFERIDE CONTRACT + Video of norman police action goes viral + five-star recruit charged with misdemeanor + The Oklahoma Daily receives records after lawsuit

INDEX

@OUDaily

News......................2 Classifieds................10 Life&Ar ts..................6 Opinion.....................8 Spor ts........................9

theoklahomadaily

LY DAI

OU FRESHMAN COMMITS TRIPLE HOMICIDE

[POLICE KILLING IN FERGUSON IGNITES TENSION ACROSS COUNTRY

WEATHER

LE/ RAG

OUDaily

• Finals Week Edition, Fall 2014

NEWS

Paighten Harkins, digital managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily

OUDaily.com ›› Which U.S. state has only one student going to OU? Find out online.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

SGA term in review: a look back at the fall legislation This year, Student Government Association’s Undergraduate Student Congress passed pieces of legislation covering an array of topics, from spicy chicken sandwiches, to free speech and the South Oval seal.

TODAY PAGE JONES NEWS REPORTER @PAGEOUSM

Wagner Hall open 24/7 Wagner Hall will be open at all hours throughout the week for students who need a place to study. Therapy Dogs at Bizzell — 11 a.m. in Bizzell Memorial Library’s Lower Level 1, Room 123 Take some time to pet a dog to help relieve finals week stress.

Here’s a round up of some of the year’s passed legislation:

Chair Massages at Bizzell — 2 p.m. in Bizzell Memorial Library’s Lower Level 1, Room 123 Get a free massage in the library.

Sept. 30, 2014 Congress appointed Taylor Petersen as chairperson of the 2014 SGA Election Board. Congress also approved a resolution requesting a decorative rope be erected around the new OU seal on the South Oval. The resolution was in response to several student concerns about people disrespecting OU by walking on the seal. Student congress members also felt that it was an affront to President David Boren and Molly Shi Boren who donated the seal.

Pizza at Bizzell — 8 p.m.in Bizzell Memorial Library’s Lower Level 1, Room 123 Unwind from a day of finals and grab a bite to eat in the library. Do you want to see your organization’s campus event here? Visit OUDaily.com/events/submit to add your entry.

Oct. 7, 2014 Congress failed to pass a resolution regarding free speech on campus, in response to the preachers that visit campus. The resolution would have made a declaration that Congress formally condemns these preachers and their hurtful message. The resolution failed because members of Congress felt it was an infringement of students’ right to free speech and that the language of the resolution specifically targeted the religious aspects of “Preacher Bob.” Congress agreed to revisit the resolution after the language was modified. At the same meeting, congress passed a resolution asking that the Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich be added to the menu in Oklahoma Memorial Union. This resolution was made in response to a member of congress wanting the sandwich in the Union before he graduated.

Oct. 27, 2014

CEREMONY

CHRIS MICHIE/THE DAILY

The Student Government Association Election Board members spea k at a meeting earlier this semester. SGA has passed a variety of legislation this semester, as well as held voting for new officers.

semester, not just during finals time. The author of the survey, Crystal Nguyen, said she wanted to give students a 24/7 section because she felt it was needed. Nguyen conducted the survey in collaboration with dean of libraries Richard Luce to gauge whether or not the student interest was worth the cost of adding a section. Nguyen said since the results of the survey were so positive, Luce has formed a team to predict the practicality and costs of creating such a 24/7 library section. Read more about the new president and vice president, the former president and vice president leaving office and about the surveys online at OUDaily.com.

Congress passed a resolution which requested the City of Norman amend an ordinance that prevents three unrelated people from living together. Congress’ resolution was in response to complaints by students who could not live with each other because of the ordinance. Congress passed another resolution thanking David Boren and Molly Shi Boren for their 20 years of service to the university. This resolution was read aloud to the Borens by former SGA president Matt Epting. Read about the congress meeting, the OU Board of SGA leaders voted to approve a bond of $200,000 to be Regents meeting and the 20 year anniversary of the Borens used for constructing bathrooms and water fountains for online at OUDaily.com. the intramural fields, according to a press release. Epting said hundreds of games are played on the fields Nov. 4, 2014 per year. Those students who use the fields must walk to Congress passed a resolution requesting the installation the Huston Huffman Fitness Center to use the restroom. of more WEPA printers into all buildings on campus. The SGA will be working with OU Facilities Management, resolution aimed to make printing easier for students and and there are currently no blueprints or plans for the to encourage students to use the resource. facilities. Congress also passed the Emergency Allocation Act #4, allocating $265 to Sooners for Israel, $400 to Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, $178 to the Graduate Physics Student Interdependence and $260 to the Counseling Sept. 6, 2014 Student’s Association. Undergraduate Student Congress passes the Emergency Allocation Act #1, allocating $412 to the Graphic Design Nov. 5, 2014 Association and $250 to the OU Pre-Law club. Kunal Naik and Alex Byron ran unopposed for SGA president and vice president, replacing former president Matt Sept. 16, 2014 Epting and former vice president Sarah Cambell. Congress passed the Emergency Allocation Act #2, alloPayne Parker was elected as Interfraternity Council prescating $210 to the Second Wind Student Group and $150 to ident with a 36 percent majority. Students also voted on a few surveys as well as SGA can- the Soccer Enthusiasts League. didates. One polled students opinions on adding a bike lane running east and west on campus. The other was a Nov. 11, 2014 survey about adding a 24/7 section to the library. Congress passed the Emergency Allocation #5 and Nine hundred and six students voted on the bike lane #6. Allocation #5 went to the Community Emergency survey, and 73 percent of those students said they would Response team and Architecture Virtuosi in a sum of be in favor of adding a bike lane. $401.99. Jacqueline Barbee, the author of the survey and a memAllocation #6 went to the Student Bar Association, an ber of Congress, said she wrote the survey in response to “umbrella organization” that oversees several Registered student complaints about dodging bikers while walking to Student Organizations. The allocation for the group was class. Barbee said the addition of the bike lane from east to $4,225. west, in addition to the one running north to south, would Many members of Congress felt that since the Student help decrease the risk to walking students. Barbee said she Bar Association did not follow the standard allocation reis unsure where to go next with her information, but she quest procedures when submitting their paperwork they said she would want the new bike lane to run from Elm did not deserve the allocation. Street to Jenkins Avenue. The act passed with a vote of 12 yes, 8 no and 6 abstain. Eight hundred and seventy three students voted on the possibility of a new 24/7 section in the library. Of that, 39 percent of students said they would use the section severPage Jones al times a week, and 59 percent said they would use it all page.c.jones-1@ou.edu

Other SGA business:

Other meeting recaps:

is HIRING designers.

Design this space!

Graduate with bling on your cap and gown Gowns honor students’ achievements with specified decorations and colors DAISY CREAGER News Reporter

While all graduating OU students wear the same black gown with crimson flannel on the front panel and sleeves, some aspects of each student’s regalia are determined by what level of degree they are receiving and what they studied. “It speaks to the fact that they’re getting a higher education degree, and that higher education is something that is steeped in a lot of tradition,” graduation office director Rebecca Heeney said.

Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree gowns Gowns of students receiving a bachelor’s or master’s degree have a crimson university seal embroidered on the yoke of the gown. This symbol is to show OU pride, Heeney said.

Academic Hoods Academic hoods are reserved for students who are part of the Honors College or achieve academic distinction in a master’s or undergraduate program, according to the OU website.

Tassels The color of each student’s tassel is dependent upon the college that is granting them their degree. When a new discipline is formed, the dean and faculty of that college determine SEE MORE ONLINE the color of the tassel, Visit OUDaily.com Heeney said. a complete list of International business graduation cap tassel and accounting senior colors based on Tim Johnson said stucollege. dents should be proud of what they wear at graduation. “What you’re wearing is a reflection of the college that you’re in, which is a reflection of all the thought and deliberation that you put into picking your major,” Johnson said. Daisy Creager Daisy.C.Creager-1@ou.edu

To apply, go to

www.studentmedia.ou.edu/jobs

or Copeland Hall room 149A

(and other positions too)

OU Student Media is a department within OU’s division of Student Affairs. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. For accommodations on the basis of a disability, call 325-2521.

NEWS

Finals Week Edition, Fall 2014 •

DINING

JACKIE EBY/THE DAILY

Foods named for people not unusual SGA president one of many to give name to items at campus eateries

said. Next semester, newly elected SGA president Kunal Naik will choose an item on Crossroads’ menu to bear his name throughout his term. Naik said that he has not yet decided what item he would MIKE BRESTOVANSKY Assistant News Editor prefer to be named after him, demonstrating a worrisome @BrestovanskyM negligence in dealing with the university’s most critical issues. However, he expressed some enthusiasm for the As the sun sets on this semester, so it does also on a piece Crossroads Creamery’s chocolate malt, calling it “the best of campus culture that has defined OU throughout 2014: chocolate shake I’ve ever tasted.” Crossroads Restaurant’s “You go to Crossroads at Matt Epting Deluxe Chicken like eleven o’clock at night, Strip Sandwich. and there’s this grandmoWhile the sandwich — therly lady who makes these composed of two chickjust amazing shakes,” Naik en strips, bacon, cheddar said. cheese, lettuce, mayo and SGA presidents are far pickles on ciabatta — will from the only people on re ma i n o n C ro s s ro a d s’ You go to Crossroads at like eleven o’clock c a m p u s t o h a v e f o o d s menu, it will no longer bear at night, and there’s this grandmotherly named after them. The the name of former SGA Crossroads and Crossroads lady who makes these just amazing president Matt Epting. Creamery menus include 23 “ The Deluxe Chicken items named after various shakes.” Strip Sandwich is the greatfaculty members, from the KUNAL NAIK, SGA PRESIDENT est pride of my OU expeLaura Tontz Bacon Panini rience,” Epting said in an (named after the director email. of the Oklahoma Memorial David Annis, director of OU Housing and Food, ap- Union) and the Rowdy Jenn Doughty Spicy Chicken proached Epting at the beginning of this semester to sandwich (named after the director of Housing and Food choose what food would be named after him, a decision he services) to the imposing David Boren Bacon Double had planned since the beginning of his campaign, Epting Cheeseburger.

‘‘

Amy Buchanan, assistant director of marketing for Housing and Food services, said that Crossroads’ tradition of naming menu items after campus leaders began several years ago. The process was intended to better tie the restaurant into the campus community. There is no set process for naming items at Crossroads, Buchanan said; Housing and Food leadership decides upon which staff members and retirees have items named after them. The staff members chosen then decide upon their preferred dish. There is not any statute of limitations on menu names: Laura Tontz said Crossroads’ Bacon Panini has had her name for nearly 10 years. Housing and Food also names a food after the current SGA president, and two foods after the fraternity and sorority with highest GPA each year — currently, Psi Kappa Sigma and Kappa Alpha Theta, respectively. Additional menu items can be created or named depending on the circumstances. “For example, the Union Programming Board requested a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with strawberry jelly, and the UPB&J was created,” Buchanan said. Naik said if he could create a new item to bear his name, it would be a healthy garden grill platter featuring heavy guacamole, lettuce and tomatoes, but added that such a thing was highly unlikely. Mike Brestovansky mcbrestov@gmail.com

CULTURE

Curator wants respect for non-western art Native art not properly contextualized in much scholarly literature, says Ahtone STEVEN ZOELLER

Special Projects Reporter @StevenZoeller

Heather Ahtone vividly recalls a period of her life where she played hideand-seek with her sister at the Denver Art Museum. She was 11 years old. While catching her breath, she noticed a cradleboard on display, the work of her great-grandmother, a well-recognized Native A m e r i c a n c r a d l e b o a rd maker. “It was interesting to me as I read the label that was attached to that cradleboard,” Ahtone said. “That it did not discuss the cradleboard in the context that I understood it.” The label stated the maker’s Kiowa heritage and recited the materials used to make it. There was no mention of its cultural significance or of how color was used to symbolize aspects of the family of the child for whom it was made — for example, its role in society and its aspirations. Ahtone, a descendant of the Choctaw Nation and member of the Chickasaw Nation, reflects on this childhood vignette as a formative moment. The discovery of a personal item in a museum, bereft of cultural context, was the first of many such discoveries that set her on the path to becoming a curator. “I realized that there was a real need for someone with a working knowledge of Native American cultural paradigms to supplement what was being done with Native American art collections,” Ahtone said.

AT A GLANCE About the James T. Bialac Collection The James T. Bialac Collection is possibly the most significant collection of contemporary native art on the continent. The collection, featuring over 5,000 objects and worth an estimated $7 million, is an ongoing gift from James T. Bialac, an Arizona lawyer who has spent over 50 years privately collecting art. President David Boren acquired the collection for OU in 2010. At that time, it included roughly 2,600 paintings and works on paper, 1,000 kachinas —miniature figurines representing spirits — and 100 pieces of jewelry. According to Ahtone, the collection has grown by about 300 objects a year since its initial donation.

Decades after that game of hide-and-seek, Ahtone fills this role at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, where she is the James T. Bialac Assistant Curator of Native American and NonWestern Art. From this position, she works toward achieving her lifelong goal to place Native American and non-western art in its proper context. Hired as an assistant curator in 2012, Ahtone’s history at OU extends several years prior to that. Ahtone earned

PHOTO PROVIDED

Heather Ahtone oversees the largest collection of contemporary Native American art on the planet, all housed in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

her master’s degree in 2006 and also began teaching a course in 2007 called American Indian Women in Art. Previously, she was educated at the Institute of American Indian Arts. The institute museum gave Ahtone the opportunity to write about native art, which awoke her to the lack of literature placing native art in the context of a native tradition. She found people regularly discussed native art as if it was on the same continuum as the rest of western art history. “For instance, we w ere br inging an ex hibition of Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, and his work had been almost entirely seen as an evolution of surrealism [and] Dalí,” Ahtone said. “It is easy to see those relationships, but the truth is that Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun is working in the visual vernacular that is

so closely tied to his tribal artistic vision.” Now in a position where she could point out the uniqueness of native art, Ahtone said she feels it is incumbent on her to do so. She feels it’s a “huge discourtesy” to talk about native artists as if they could only draw from their western peers and had no original styles. “It’s something that happens to native people a lot,” Ahtone said. “That when these things come from native consciousness and get absorbed into western consciousness, that history back to that native consciousness suddenly gets negated or becomes invisible.” The problems that plague discussion of native art also challenge the popular understanding of non-western art generally, Ahtone said. The lack of awareness

compounds the fact many western museums lump together art from diverse cultures under the single heading of “non-western.” Alan Atkinson, a former adjunct professor of art history at OU, agrees this lumping together of art from diverse backgrounds is a challenge. He jokingly refers to Ahtone as “the curator of everything else,” since she’s responsible for essentially every collection that doesn’t fall under the purview of other curators. To m a n a g e t h e h u g e breadth of material she’s charged to curate, Ahtone often calls on other scholars for help. This semester she worked with Atkinson on an installation of Asian art. Ahtone opened the vaults to Atkinson and he selected pieces he believed were representative of the collection and wrote the labels. “One of the things about

museum work that Ahtone understands very well is that it is, in all respects, a collaborative sort of environment,” Atkinson said. “Ahtone is really good at working to see that all the people involved are pulling in the same direction.” Securing artistic representation for a non-western culture in a western setting is a complicated task, Atkinson said. Speaking from his experience with Asian art, he said there’s always the danger of disrespecting it by presenting it as “exotic” compared to western art, which is viewed as “normal.” The way around this pitfall, Atkinson said is to treat all cultures with the same seriousness. “She believes that all art deserves our respect, that it all has something to say to us about the human condition if we listen carefully,” Atkinson said. “And she works very hard to see to it that every object on display gets a fair chance to be ‘heard.’” Ahtone believes western criticism has a long way to go before Native American and non-western art are properly understood and given their deserved respect, but she continues to strive toward that goal. She says it’s important because art can enlarge people’s worldviews, and diversity plays a role in that. “I think there’s a great value in looking at these different cultural materials and art to find a better place for us as human beings in the world,” Ahtone said. “And our responsibilities to it.” Steven Zoeller steven.v.zoeller@ou.edu

4•

NEWS

Finals Week Edition, Fall 2014

Sooners seeking

sugar.

Women turn to unconventional dating to offset living costs STEVEN ZOELLER SPECIAL PROJECTS REPORTER Editor’s note: The name Brittany Howard used in this story is a pseudonym and not her real name. The Daily decided to allow the use of a pseudonym for Howard due to possible harassment from peers about her lifestyle choice.

onths after breaking up with her fiancé of over a year, OU senior Brittany Howard, 21, is seeing someone new. They met a few weeks ago at a Louie’s Bar & Grill in Moore. Illustration by Dayton Clark/The Daily “He’s a very open guy, very outgoing,” Howard said. “He likes to have fun. He’s nice and he treats me well.” He also happens to be a 50-year-old millionaire. Before Howard met her sugar daddy in person, they exchanged information online. Basic stuff — hobbies, favorite authors and how much he would pay her to go on dates. Upon meeting, they hit it off. “We got along well when we met for the first time,” Howard said. “There was some sort of unspoken bond. I was attracted to him as a man, as well. I’m not just there for monetary purposes.” Howard talks about her new relationship with a nonchalance that masked its subversive nature. Sugar dating may come naturally to her, but it challenges deeply held beliefs about how romantic relationships are supposed to work.

A sweet deal Howard’s sugar daddy lives in North Texas, but his business often brings him to Oklahoma City and Edmond, Oklahoma. When he’s nearby, which is two or three times a week, he’ll take Howard out to a restaurant or the theater. Howard described these outings as traditional dates, the only difference being her payment. Every time they see each other, her sugar daddy will slip her between two and three hundred dollars, usually in cash. When Howard joined the sugar dating website Seeking Arrangement in October of this year, the promise of income was the big draw. “I’m in my senior year, and I’m going to have loans,” Howard said. “Because of my major, I don’t have time to look for a job where I have steady hours.” Howard pays out-of-state tuition. The OU admissions office estimates the tuition and fees for non-residents during the 2014-2015 year to amount to $22,049. For

advance their career, a mature man, someone who is ambitious,” Urick said. “Sugar babies are also ambitious. The largest demographic is college students. Some of these girls are looking for mentors and sponsors to help them finance their school.” Howard says being a sugar baby is also about being pampered and feeling valued. This is a common desire, Urick said. “Women want a man who can take care of them and want to be spoiled,” Urick said. “And there’s nothing wrong with wanting your day in the sun, wanting to be a princess. A lot of girls want it, but they’re just afraid to express that.” In return, sugar daddies want “companionship and youthfulness” without any firm expectations of long-term commitment, Urick said. Right now, Howard and her sugar daddy are just seeing each other casually. They go out. Sometimes he takes her shopping. There’s an expectation of many sugar relationships that sex will enter the equation at some point, but Howard said that hasn’t happened yet. “I don’t know what will happen in the future,” Howard said. “We’re good friends who like to have fun together sometimes … I’m not against [sex]. Like any relationship, when things start moving forward, that’s how things end up happening.”

Prostitution or honest dating?

Howard borrows a phrase from the Seeking Arrangement website to describe her arrangement. She calls it a “mutually beneficial relationship.” However, because sugar dating can involve a transaction of money for romantic companionship, critics have used another term: prostitution. “People think that I’m just like selling myself,” Howard said. “Which I’m not.” According to Andreana People think that I’m just like P r i c h a r d , a professor of selling myself, which I’m not. African history at OU, sugar dating differs in-state residents, the amount is estimat- from sex work in that it’s a relationship ed to be $9,275. And that’s not counting sustained over time, whereas prostitution is characterized by “one-off” encounters. textbooks or room and board. For some people, it’s the transparentGiven the rising cost of college, it’s perhaps unsurprising college women ac- ly transactional nature of sugar dating count for over 42 percent of all sugar ba- that really bothers them. But, according bies with Seeking Arrangement, accord- to Prichard, there has always been an expectation of material exchange in romaning to a 2013 press release. Brook Urick, a public relations man- tic relationships. “When women are asked out on dates, ager for the company, said college the first question that their friends say women stand to gain a lot from courting when they get back is, ‘Did he pay?’” sugar daddies, the majority of whom are wealthy entrepreneurs in their mid-40s. Prichard said. “So from the very first con“[Sugar daddies] have the qualities of tact that people have, a material exchange someone who’s successful as an entre- or an economic exchange is factored into preneur, someone who can help them that. All the way down to wedding rings.”

‘‘

Prichard teaches the Honors course traditional relationships, Howard said, Sex and Love in Africa, which explores because the suitor knows ahead of time sexual and relational customs in African the terms of the relationship. The nature of the transaction is totally transparent. countries, including sugar dating. This understanding doesn’t suck the Sugar dating is more common and less stigmatized in that part of the world fun out of a relationship or make it feel than in the United States, said Prichard. artificial, Howard said. In fact, Howard Africans view sugar dating as distinct wishes more traditional relationships from prostitution. Prichard said this is be- were as transparent. Howard thinks it recause there’s a greater consciousness in lieves some of the anxiety of dating, and African countries of the Not every woman is naïve, and transactional some know very well what nature of all relationships, they’re getting into and can from church mar r iag e to handle these [relationships]. sugar dating. “There is t ra n s a c t i o n involved in romantic relationships,” it ensures everyone’s needs are met withPrichard said. “And we, as Americans, I out prodding. “Personally, I’ve never been one to ask think, tend to believe or want to believe in this romantic notion that it’s just feelings. for help,” Howard said. “So it’s very nice to be able to sit back and have someone But that has never been true.” Prichard believes society unfairly help me without asking for it.” Seeking Arrangement encourages this shames sugar babies for not engaging in more traditional relationships. When the attitude. Urick said the growing populartopic of sugar dating at OU surfaces in her ity of sugar dating is the result of people class, she notices students are very often feeling more free to choose the sorts of requick to shame the girl and ask why she lationships they want. “It’s not so wrong to come to the table would want to do that. “But for her to be a first-generation col- with open and honest expectations and lege student who’s coming to OU and fac- finding someone who can meet those,” ing a large amount of student loan debt, Urick said. However, the empowering aspects of not wanting to put in 40 hours a week in a student job and wanting to be able to per- sugar dating don’t negate the potentialform well at OU,” Prichard said. “These ly harmful ones, Prichard said. Prichard are all circumstances that inform her views the popularity of sugar dating in decision.” Africa as indicative of gender inequaliHoward’s roommates know about her ty, and that may also be true in the west, arrangement, as do some of her friends. where men still control much of the They’ve been supportive and even in- wealth and are seen as providers. trigued by it. But to avoid predictable Furthermore, Prichard said there’s the awkwardness, Howard has not told her possibility of power being shared unfamily. equally in relationships between a young, “They’re my parents,” Howard said. financially dependent person and an “They obviously wouldn’t want their little older, financially independent one. girl doing something like this. Online dat“That’s one of the reasons we don’t ing, you know? It’s silly when you think allow dating between students and teachabout it.” ers or coaches and athletes,” Prichard said. “Because over the years, we’ve realized that these don’t make for the healthA new kind of iest relationships because there’s not an relationship equal power exchange.” Prichard stopped short of calling this Howard understands traditional re- problem unavoidable, however. She lationships. Until recently, she was en- noted this is a difficulty that can arise in gaged to be married this summer. Being a many different relationships. sugar baby is a departure from what she’s “Not every woman is naïve,” Prichard used to, but she said the experience has, said. “And some know very well what in some respects, been liberating. they’re getting into and can handle these “I don’t have to worry about texting [relationships].” someone every day or calling them every Howard has only been a sugar baby for night or having to see them all the time,” a month but she believes she has things Howard said. “Because that could get under control. She said she might have very stressful — feeling like you need to become a sugar baby even if she was on please the other person and their fami- solid financial footing. She’s that happy ly. Traditional relationships can be very with her sugar daddy. un-genuine sometimes, I feel.” “I hit it good,” Howard said with a Sugar relationships are more open than laugh. “I got lucky.”

‘‘

Numbers registered with Seeking Arrangement in Oklahoma

3,447 sugar babies

21,738 sugar daddies

Source: Brook Urick/Seeking Arrangement

196

confirmed OU students

144

confirmed OSU students

NEWS

Finals Week Edition, Fall 2014 •

HEALTH

DINNER GUESTS? Housing & Food works to correct health inspection issues showing insect sightings, improper prep CAITLIN SCHACHTER News Reporter

Editor’s Note: The Daily chose to feature Couch Restaurants because it was the on-campus establishment with the most violations up until Oct. 21. The Daily filed open records requests with the Cleveland County Health Department for detailed inspection reports for the restaurants from the last four and a half years.

ealth inspectors reported seeing cockroach sightings, food kept at improper temperatures and rodent droppings at Couch Restaurants until recently. Inspectors found no violations during their most recent inspection Oct. 30, according to Amy Buchanan, spokeswoman for Housing and Food and open records. Previously, Couch Restaurants had been cited for 75 violations in 2014 alone, an increase from 7 total in 2012, according to health inspection records. T h e i n s p e c t i o n re s u l t s ca p t u re d Housing and Food’s attention quickly, Buchanan said. She cites building maintenance issues, reduced staffing and as changing roles for staffers as reasons for the increase in violations for Couch Restaurants. “The number of violations recorded during 2014 are not acceptable to us,” Buchanan said. “It was a reminder that no matter what situations come up, we cannot lose focus of our core responsibilities.” One of the recurring violations inspectors found were insects and rodents, according to health inspection records, with cockroaches being sighted throughout Couch Restaurants on Oct. 9 and Oct. 21. Exterminators from Terminix come to the restaurant once or twice a month to spray for insects and rodents, Buchanan said. Buchanan said food preparation and serving guests is central to Housing and Food’s mission and the department wants to be as close to perfect as possible when carrying those out. “Fixing these issues was a department-wide effort to maintain service in all of their operations. We were happy to see the results of this effort in the form of no violations during our last inspection at Couch Restaurants,” Buchanan said.

Student responses Jeremiah Stinnett, President of the Housing Center Student Association and junior human relations major, said no residents of the general council have raised complaints about Couch Restaurants. Freshman students had mixed feelings about eating at the restaurant despite the number of violations the restaurants accumulated this year. After hearing that Couch Restaurants returned with no violations on their last inspection, students still expressed mixed feelings.

St. Thomas More University Parish and Student Center

BY THE NUMBERS Breakdown of Couch Restaurants violations

58 35

Total violations according to inspection reports

Priority violations, such as insects, rodents and food kept at improper temperatures

Of the first 35 violations were priority foundation violations, such as operators of an establishment not possessing a valid license to operate and cleanliness of hands

Core violations, such as prevention of food contamination, proper use of utensils and cleanliness of premises such as sinks and toilets Source: Kristina Milroy, an Environmental Health Supervisor for Cleveland and McClain County

Caroline Ellwood, University College freshman, said she will no longer eat at Couch Restaurants after hearing about the restaurant’s health violations. “It is a little frightening to hear that because we can never see where the food is made due to the fact it is out before we go into [Couch],” Ellwood said. Ellwood said she gets dissatisfied with the food served at the restaurants. She eats at her sorority house twice a week, Ellwood said. “If I am feeling adventurous I will go to [Couch] because it is either a hit or miss,” Ellwood said. Johnny Fuchs, University College freshman, will continue to eat at Couch Restaurant because it is convenient for him since he lives in the residence halls. “I don’t want to eat at Cane’s every day. I will also not stop going to [Couch] because you have the option to eat whatever you want without having to keep paying since it’s buffet style,” Fuchs said. Jessica Hammer, University College freshman, will continue to eat at Couch Restaurant and has faith that Housing and Food will resolve any lingering issues with the restaurant. “I have faith that OU will do its best in keeping its students, faculty and guests’ food clean and healthy,” Hammer said. Caitlin Schachter caitlinschachter@yahoo.com

Mass Schedule - Christmas Eve -

6pm Vigil Mass, 12 am Midnight Mass Carols Begin at 11:30 pm

MORE INFO Training Techniques OU Housing and Food Services’ employees are taught the following food handling techniques in all of its dining operations : Proper hygiene: Examples include hand washing and clean uniforms, according to Buchanan. Correct food handling: Examples include using gloves, changing gloves between tasks, using different utensils for different foods, changing cutting boards between foods, and cooking, holding and serving food at correct temperatures. ServSafe, a national food safety course: Housing and Food Services has ServSafe certified almost 300 people total. 75 full-time employees are currently certified. All Housing and Food employees must have a county food handlers license. Housing and Food conducts in-house health assessments to ensure quality. These assessments look at all facets of food safety. Housing and Food assesses Couch Restaurants on a monthly basis. Source: OU Housing and Food Services

- Christmas Day 11 am Mass

- New Years Day 10 am Mass

• Finals Week Edition, Fall 2014

OUDaily.com ››

LIFE&ARTS

Kelly Rogers, life & arts editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/life&arts • Twitter: @OUDailyArts

Let some tech tips help you through Finals Week with study apps.

PERSONALITY

FOOD

Let your freak flag fly F

CULINARY COMFORTS

LIFE & ARTS COLUMNIST inals week should really be called Freak Week. It’s when everyone loses their cool and nobody judges anyone for it because they, too, Bailey Chambers are letting their freak baychams92@aol.com @baichambers flag fly higher than normal. Finals are stressful, and everyone knows. However, not everyone shares the same brand of cray cray. Every student is still an individual, but there are still a few categories that cover most of the stress. Which one are you?

THE NIGHT THINKER You’ve got everything under control … until it’s time for sleep. Your to-do list haunts your dreams when you finally drift off. Every few hours, you wake up to write little thoughts on a bedside notepad. Everyone keeps telling you that you look tired.

THE FIREBALL

You are stressed and want everyone to know. You are on a mission and will destroy anyone who upsets your perfect balance of chaos and anger. You keep imagining physically assaulting your laptop, but you know that would leave you doomed. All of your friends keep suggesting you take up yoga.

Cookie supreme from Couch Express

THE STRESS-EATER You are fully stocked up with snacks, which you always have on hand. When you’re studying, you keep using food to distract you. You keep asking your friends to go eat with you so you can justify your impulses. When they decline for finals week reasons, you always say, “A person’s gotta eat, though.”

THE WINGER THE PERFECTIONIST You spent the entire semester organizing your notes in order to study perfectly for the final, and everyone asks to borrow your notes. You were destined at birth to take these finals. You’re worried that you left something out, but you secretly know your score will trump everyone else’s. You will tell everyone on social media when you actually beat everyone’s scores.

here’s nothing like a warm bowl of mac and cheese to remind you that comfort food exists. If you’re looking for edible comforts to numb the sting of finals, signature junk foods are just a short walk away in the Oklahoma Cort Fisher Memorial Union, Couch cfisher368@hotmail.com Express or Cate Restaurants. @cort_fisher De-stress during finals by enjoying these tasy treats and eats you can only find on campus:

LIFE & ARTS COLUMNIST

Better than anyone, you know that C’s get degrees. A night spent doing whatever you please is way better than spending it studying. You’re confident that everything will be okay but then almost die of a heart attack only an hour before the exam. You realize that you don’t even have time to cram but then you get over it because hey, it worked out last semester, right? Everyone always asks you how you don’t have more studying to do.

If neither you nor the worker at Couch Express is aware of what this is, this little treat is any two cookies slapped together with a dollop of icing. This treat is sure going to give you a sugar rush and keep you sane during the most stressful time of the year.

Specialty chocolate chip banana pancakes from Oliver’s in Cate Restaurants Whether it is during an early morning study session or a quick stop during the evening between cram sessions, these pancakes are sure to bring a smile to you at any time of the day.

The perfect union from The Range in Union Market This delectable treat made of mascarpone and Nutella on cinnamon raisin bread lives up to its name. If you are looking for something with the “perfect union” of flavors, this will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Poutine from The Range in Union Market Whether you have heard of this before or not, this mix of french fries, cheese cubes and brown gravy is the ideal snack for a student that is overly stressed from finals pressure.

Gouda mac and cheese bites from Crossroads Comfort yourself with these little puffs of joy. The mini cheese bites are sure to brighten your stress-filled mind and treat your taste buds.

Classic sundae from Crossroads Now this one might seem a little boring, but who could deny a delicious sundae? The familiarity and sweetness of this snack will definitely ease the pain of the finals week beating.

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LIFE & ARTS

Finals Week Edition, Fall 2014 •

FILM

cinematic celebration LIFE & ARTS COLUMNIST

Brynne Frauenhoffer brynnefrau@ou.edu

ongratulate yourself on the end of another semester by kicking back with these school-themed favorites.

harry potter Admit it — you’re still waiting on your Hogwarts acceptance letter. Leave behind the worries of real school and assure yourself that even though finals week sucks, it’s better than facing off with the Dark Lord at the end of every spring semester. Pick your favorite film in the eight-part saga, or marathon them all while wearing your Gryffindor hat/scarf combo, knocking back butterbeer and arguing with your mom over who’s the better Dumbledore. (Richard Harris all the way!)

tommy boy Getting ready to graduate? Terrified of adulthood? Chris Farley’s best comedy will make you feel more optimistic about your chances in the real world. After his father’s untimely death, recent college grad and total idiot Tommy Jr. attempts to save his family’s auto parts company from bankruptcy. With the begrudging assistance of exasperated salesman Richard (David Spade), he embarks on a cross-country road trip rife with total failure and immature shenanigans, while two con artists (played by Rob Lowe and Bo Derek) try to bring down the company. As a bonus, if you’re feeling insecure about holiday weight gain, Farley’s iconic “fat guy in a little coat” bit should make you feel better about yourself.

detention No synopsis can adequately describe this complex parody of slasher flicks, sci-fi, high school drama and ’90s nostalgia. The basic plot involves a slasher-movie character called Cinderhella killing off the real-life students of Grizzly Lake High School, but there’s also an abundance of adolescent humiliation, time-travel and pop culture references. The cinematography evokes a music-video vibe, and the speedy story sets up stereotypical characters, subverts them, then throws in aliens for good measure. In spite of Josh Hutcherson and Dane Cook’s starring roles, Detention never got a wide release, but don’t miss this gem on Netflix. It will make you both glad to be done with high school and a little bummed that yours wasn’t as weird as Grizzly Lake.

sleepover Want to travel further down memory lane? Indulge in your middle school daydreams by cheering on onetime Spy Kid Alexa Vega as she tries to beat the popular girls at a scavenger hunt in order to secure a spot at the cool lunch table. Though it’s implausible, saccharine sweet and naïve about the kinds of mischief actual 14-year-olds get into, I still watch “Sleepover” once a year as a nod to my inner 14-year-old who’s still waiting for cool jock Steve to kiss her in the treehouse. In between rolling your eyes during the middle parts and choker necklaces, look out for plenty of future celebrities playing small roles: fans of Firefly, American Horror Story and Glee, take notice!

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22 jump street If only every college experience promised Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. During Schmidt and Jenko’s newest assignment, they go undercover at a university to stop another drug ring. The incredibly meta script mocks college football, fraternities, art students, dorm life, the Jump Street series itself and sequels in general. The movie’s self-aware but somehow moving resolution proves that you’re never too old to learn, even if everyone notices that you’re way too wrinkled to be a college freshman.

• Finals Week Edition, Fall 2014

Kaitlyn Underwood, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/opinion • Twitter: @OUDailyOpinion

OPINION OUR VIEW

Look back on fall’s biggest issues Our View: See how The Daily’s editorial board

addressed its four editorial pillars over the fall semester.

As we wrap up the fall 2014 semester, we took some time to look back at the issues we’ve felt strongly enough to editorialize about. At the beginning of the semester we listed our four editorial pillars: safety, freedom of information, mental and physical health, and equality and diversity. We kept those four critical subjects in mind throughout the semester, and below is a review of editorials from this semester that address those topics. As always, The Daily’s editorial board is focused and committed to bringing you important, relevant and timely information.

Safety Among all the safety-related issues that arose this semester, here are summaries of three events we felt most strongly about:

“OU should alert students about sexual assaults” We ran several editorials addressing the national issue of sexual assault on college campuses. Just last week we advocated for OUPD to develop a separate online database for reported assaults that Sooners could receive email updates from after an OU student reported a rape on campus on Nov. 7. President David Boren and OUPD announced the next day such a crime log will be created for the OU community. “Students should take preventative measures to combat theft on campus” In preparation for dead week, we spoke about theft on campus and urged OU students to keep their belongings secure on campus. We believe students should be aware of any suspicious activity and speak up to keep both their and other Sooners’ items safe on campus. “Safety first: holiday precautions” Safety issues don’t always have to be stern and serious. We made festive suggestions for OU students to have a safe and fun Halloween this semester, which included drinking in moderation and avoiding offensive costumes.

Freedom of information

Freedom of information issues are near and dear to student journalists’ hearts, so we covered this topic in depth over the fall semester. It was hard just to pick a few issues, but here are two of the most important freedom of information issues The Daily’s editorial board addressed this semester: “Why The Oklahoma Daily is joining a lawsuit against OU” In November, The Daily joined a lawsuit filed by Daily staffer and OU student Joey Stipek suing the

university to release OU parking ticket records and ran a front-page editorial about it. The university had denied Stipek’s previous open records requests for the parking ticket records, claiming the records were protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA. Our View is We felt this was a misuse of the majority FERPA and joined the lawsuit opinion of because we consider the records The Daily’s public information under the nine-member editorial board Oklahoma Open Records Act. President David Boren agreed and announced the records would be released after our front-page editorial ran. “Freedom of Information laws a public atrocity” At the beginning of the semester, we provided a rundown of recent Freedom of Information issues in Oklahoma to give students insight into the depth of freedom of information violations occurring across the state. We explained that Governor Mary Fallin complied with open records request to release emails — sort of. Nearly two years ago the Oklahoma ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of The Lost Ogle, an Oklahoma City news and entertainment blog, requesting emails the governor had kept secret. After months of litigation and stalling, Fallin finally released the emails with mere days left before the court-ordered due date. The timing of the release seemed more like a piece of political strategy than compliance with a simple open records request. We also addressed the fact the Cleveland County district attorney still will not release the surveillance video showing the July 25 altercation between OU running back Joe Mixon and fellow OU student Amelia Molitor. That was in August. The video has still not been released to the public; however, the case has been settled. The Daily has made previous open records requests for the video and will continue to fight for open records on behalf of OU students.

a few ways to help the cause without the needles. Suggestions included donating financially to the Oklahoma Blood Institute, donating time by volunteering at blood drives and educating friends about the benefits of donating blood. It seems Sooners took our advice to heart because OU defeated OSU for the first time ever in this year’s Bedlam Blood Battle.

The Daily had several opportunities to speak about equality and diversity this semester, the most important of which were victories for marriage equality in Oklahoma. Below are two topics related to equality and diversity we covered this semester: “Replacing the fashion industry’s definition of ‘nude’” Issues pertaining to equality and diversity often prove to be the most controversial. The Daily experienced that firsthand this semester after an editorial was picked up and discussed by Fox News and other websites. In the Sep. 8 editorial, we encouraged readers to actively redefine the color “nude,” as it’s commonly limited to describe the pale color of Caucasian skin. Our editorial explained how limiting nude-colored bras to one color shows how the fashion industry and society at large has based its ideal of nude on Caucasian people. We then commended a lingerie company called Nubian Skin for designing nude-colored clothing in different shades. We did not write that editorial to condemn the fashion industry, manufacturers, bras, or bra-wearers as intentionally racist. The purpose of our editorial was to shed light on one aspect of society — the definition of the color “nude” — that is built upon the assumption that light skin is the norm, and every other color is the exception. However, the message in our editorial was distorted by various websites that reposted it with incorrect Mental and physical health headlines and took our words to mean “bras are racOf our four editorial pillars, mental ist, ” a falsehood we have sought to address. and physical health proved to be the “Supreme Court’s lack of action is a win for most difficult to consistently cover. That marriage equality” being said, below are two health topics In October, the Supreme Court announced it we felt strongly about, and we will continwould not consider any of five cases challenging ue to improve our coverage of these issues moving state bans on gay marriage. Essentially, the Supreme forward. “We encourage you to be a healthy zombie this Court chose not to review the cases and give its opinion on marriage equality, but it maintained the undead week” No one literally turned into a zombie during dead circuit court rulings in the cases, meaning couples of all sexual orientations can now marry in Oklahoma, week. However, we offered OU students some tips for staying sane and healthy while studying for finals, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Indiana. We could not be happier equality has finally come to Oklahoma including eating wholesome food, getting enough sleep and taking constructive breaks for your brain. and we believe the Supreme Court should take a clear stance in support of marriage equality in the “Feel good, give blood and beat OSU” near future. OU students participated in the annual Bedlam Blood Drive in November, and we offered students who couldn’t give blood for health or other reasons Comment online at OUDaily.com

The Oklahoma Daily is a public forum, the University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice and an entirely student-run publication.

Blayklee Buchanan Paighten Harkins Megan Deaton Arianna Pickard Joey Stipek Kaitlyn Underwood

Editor in Chief Digital Managing Editor Print Managing Editor Online Editor Special Projects Editor Opinion Editor

Kelly Rogers Joe Mussatto Tony Ragle Jamison Short Judy Gibbs Robinson

160 Copeland Hall, 860 Van Vleet Oval Norman, OK 73019-2052

Equality and diversity

Life & Arts Editor Sports Editor Visual Editor Advertising Manager Faculty Adviser

phone:

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email:

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Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and must be fewer than 250 words, typed and signed by the author(s). Letters will be edited for accuracy, space and style. Students must list their major and classification. To submit letters, email dailyopinion@ou.edu. Our View is the voice of the Editorial Board, which consists of nine student editors. The board meets at 2:30 p.m. Sunday and at 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall. Board meetings are open to the public.

Guest columns are accepted and printed at the editor’s discretion. Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are their own and not necessarily the views or opinions of The Oklahoma Daily Editorial Board. To advertise in The Oklahoma Daily, contact advertising manager Jamison Short by calling 405-325-8964 or emailing dailyads@ou.edu. One free copy of The Daily is available to members of the OU community. Additional copies may be purchased for 25 cents by contacting The Daily business office at 405325-2522.

Finals Week Edition, Fall 2014 •

OUDaily.com ››

SPORTS

Review the top three most memorable moments of the football season online.

Joe Mussatto, sports editor Carson Williams, assistant editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports

SOCIAL MEDIA LOCKDOWN Student athletes face heavy restrictions on the web, dictating what they can and cannot post JOE MUSSATTO | SPORTS EDITOR | @JOE_MUSSATTO

magine a world in which every tweet is monitored, triggering the first amendment,” LoMonte said. “They’re every Facebook post is examined and any content taking away intangible benefits for no other reason than the opinion the person expressed.” “deemed inappropriate” must be taken down. But despite the restrictions, all athletes agree to sign the For student athletes at Oklahoma and dozens of other universities, it’s the world they’re living in. Whereas contract before they begin play. They’re aware of what they traditional students are free of social media restrictions, can and cannot do. Lauren Chamberlain, a senior softball player, said that Sooner student athletes sign a contract that outlines what she knows the university views everything she posts on they can and cannot post. Among the things that are monitored accord- Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Despite being careful, ing to the social networking policy obtained Chamberlain has been asked to take down posts a few times. “One of them was from a couple years back when a curse by The Daily: Pictures depicting the use of alcohol, hazing, illegal behavior and pho- word was used,” she said. “The other two happened when I tographs that place the university “in a was spreading the word about a fundraiser and it was portrayed as me advertising a company.” negative light.” Sooner sophomore cornerback Zack Sanchez took Jason Leonard, OU’s compliance executive director, acknowledged athletes are to Twitter to express his frustration over social media held to a higher standard because the in- restrictions. “Lol I guess freedom of speech or expression is for everystitution is often viewed through the athletics body else but athletes…” he tweeted Oct. 23. program. Traditional students have sole authority of managing “It’s our responsibility to make sure student-athletes understand and follow those rules,” he said. “We do our their social networking sites — student-athletes do not. It’s best to educate our student athletes about the dangers and a different world, but some athletes like senior tennis player Abbi Melrose don’t seem to mind. pitfalls of social networking.” “I know members of compliance monitor Frank LoMonte, executive director of our social media sites, but that is purely for the Student Press Law Center, has seen an the protection of the student-athletes and uptick in social media monitoring for stuacts entirely in their best interests,” she said dent-athletes in the last three to four years. in an email. He believes the trend began in 2010 when a LoMonte disagrees with the sentiment. University of North Carolina football player “The idea that you have to regulate and used social media to boast about getting gifts punish a person’s speech in order to save from an agent. The NCAA subsequently launched an in- Lol I guess freedom them from their own mistakes is a really weak constitutional justification,” he vestigation, and the school is still suffering of speech or said. “The government doesn’t exist from sanctions. In order to not let their athexpression is for to save you from yourself.” letes make a similar mistake, LoMonte esBecause there are hundreds of timates that it’s more common than not for everybody else but student-athletes in revenue sports to have athletes…” (Tweeted student-athletes to monitor, the OU compliance office can’t do it all. their social media accounts monitored. Oct. 23.) The university has a contract with “The athletic departments are starting to Varsity Monitor — a company creatfeel like it’s their job to save these athletes ZACK SANCHEZ, ed to help schools manage their stufrom themselves,” LoMonte said. “To keep SOPHOMORE CORNERBACK dent-athletes’ social media activity, acthem from damaging their own image in a cording to the company’s website. way that might make them less marketable The compliance office uses the company’s software to by blurting out some offensive thing on Twitter that they identify “key words” it’s looking for in a post, Leonard said. later regret. At Oklahoma, student-athletes are educated at the be- The company charges per student, and Leonard said the ginning of every fall semester on dos and don’ts of social university pays for every football, baseball, men’s basketball media. But despite the university’s desire to keep its athletes and women’s basketball player to be monitored. “They are more in the public eye than our other sports,” clean of questionable posts, the contract might overstep its Leonard said. “We also monitor our other student-athletes, boundaries. “The contract seems to rely on legally unsound circu- but not necessarily through Varsity Monitor because of lar reasoning,” Adam Goldstein, attorney advocate for the costs.” Despite the possible First Amendment infringements, difStudent Press Law Center, said. “That violating a ‘reasonable’ rule equates to a ‘material and substantial disruption ferent states have different laws, and Leonard said his office is aware of what they can do in Oklahoma. of the educational process.’ Even with Varsity Monitor and a full-time staffer whose “While there may be portions of this that are lawful, it certainly purports to reach speech that is protected by the primary job is to sift through social media accounts, the First Amendment and infringes on the rights of athletes,” he compliance office realizes it can’t catch everything. But in a time when nothing goes unnoticed, the office is added. Joey Senat, an Oklahoma confident that their student-athletes will make the right deState University professor in the cisions based off the training they receive. “Their Twitter is like a 140-character press conference,” School of Media and Strategic Communications, posed a ques- Leonard said. “Everyone in the world is out there to see it.” Each time a student-athlete takes the field sporting the tion after looking through the school’s colors and slogan, they’re a visible representadocument. “So a student-athlete could be tive of that university. Until the same student-athletes start punished for criticizing the op- pushing back against the binding social media policies, no eration of the university, which change will be initiated, LoMonte said. Restraining student-athletes’ freedom of speech is conis a government agency?” he stitutionally questionable, but the topic hasn’t been legally asked. The possible punishments answered because athletes haven’t taken the case through are bolded in all capital letters the court system. No player is going to want to fight his in the social networking policy. Loss of playing eligibility, or her coach or athletic director loss of potential employment while still on the team. “Some athlete is going to opportunities and the possibility of jeopardizing person- have to suffer the ultimate punishment and be kicked al safety are all included. “If they’re actually threat- out of school,” LoMonte said. ening someone’s scholar- “Once he is kicked out of ship, housing or attendance school, he’ll have nothing to in college, then they’re lose anymore.”

‘‘

SPORTS

â&#x20AC;˘ Finals Week Edition, Fall 2014

BASKETBALL

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED Receptionist:Full Time and Part time Bookkeeper Contact: Julia or Deanna (405)329-1933 PAB Personnel Agency, Norman

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CHRISTOPHER MICHIE / THE DAILY

Senior forward TaShawn Thomas presses a Lion defender during the Nov. 16 home opener against Southeastern Louisiana at the Lloyd Noble Center. The Sooners defeated the Lions 78-53.

Transfer adopts OU tradition TaShawn Thomas leaves Houston to become Oklahoma team leader JOHN WALKER Sports Reporter

Throughout his coaching career, coach Lon Kruger has valued patience as a key virtue, and it has been a component to Oklahoma basketballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rise to prominence. This season, the coach inherited a player who shares the same principle. TaShawn Thomas began his college career at Houston. The Killeen, Texas, native averaged over 14 points and eight rebounds per game in his three-year career as a member of the Cougars. During his final year in Houston, Thomas led the Cougars in points, rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage. In April, Thomas was granted release from Houston after the program underwent a coaching change. The release was made with the stipulation that Thomas could not transfer to another school in the state of Texas, moving him out of his hometown and away from his family. Regardless of the releaseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conditions, Thomas had to make a decision on his next destination, and Oklahoma contacted him early in the process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once he got his release, he was a huge priority to us,â&#x20AC;? Kruger said. Patience and persistence paid off as Thomas committed to spend his final year in Norman. In May, he was formally introduced as a member of the Oklahoma basketball team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was hopeful of an earlier answer but he stayed patient,â&#x20AC;? Kruger said. For Thomas, one of the more alluring factors when making the decision to come to OU was the longstanding tradition, both in athletics and as a university. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I first think of OU I think of the tradition,â&#x20AC;? Thomas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love that it is a pure college town.â&#x20AC;? But while the benefits of the campusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; minimal traffic and own collegiately certified federal credit union were enticing factors for Thomas, getting acclimated to life on campus was more of a process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I first started going out, people were like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Who are you?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Do you play football or basketball?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Thomas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would just introduce myself as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the transfer from Houston.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all I kept saying.â&#x20AC;? While he attempted to re-establish his prominence and continue to build relationships in Norman, the senior also endured the lingering effects of his critical transfer decision. Thomas and the team waited around six months for a decision by the NCAA on the seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eligibility status. The uncertainty weighed heavy on Thomas as his practices ranged from playing with the first team to the scout team without knowing his fate. The possibility of sitting out the entire season had crossed his mind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was hard, but my teammates always helped keeping me positive,â&#x20AC;? Thomas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My family was helping me out and keeping my head on.â&#x20AC;? Despite his wavering playing status and the stress coupled with it, Thomas still made it a priority to make an immediate impact in practice. Thomas knew that his teammates needed to see his ability before they believed the hype. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They had to see me play,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we played open gym, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when I got everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention.â&#x20AC;? He credits Kruger for providing an atmosphere that allowed

Previous Solution

Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard

Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

an easy transition onto the team. During the offseason, Thomas created a bond with his teammates and coaches in which the newcomer now refers to them as family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of my brothers,â&#x20AC;? sophomore guard Frank Booker said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love being around him.â&#x20AC;? As the start of the basketball season approached, it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t long before the man known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the transfer from Houstonâ&#x20AC;? became a fan favorite. Fans and media outlets alike pushed the #GetTaeCleared hashtag on social media. On the night prior to the Soonersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; season opener against Southeast Louisiana, Thomas received a call from his coach. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[Coach Kruger] called me and was like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I hope youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to get a good night sleep,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Thomas said, recalling the 9 p.m. phone call. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;For what?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and he said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You got cleared.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Thomas received a waiver from the NCAA to allow him to play for the 2014-15 season and he promptly donned the crimson and cream uniform the following afternoon. While Thomas is playing his first year at OU, the 6-foot 8 -inch forward has already established himself as one of the leaders on the team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When he comes out of the game, he talks about what we can do better, what needs to be done,â&#x20AC;? Booker said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He definitely gives us a veteran type of feel to the game.â&#x20AC;? Time will tell if Thomas will be the final piece of the puzzle in OUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quest to make a run in the final days of March. But for now, he looks to make the most of his year-long opportunity by playing as a two-way forward in the post, providing the veteran leadership and graduating on time at Oklahoma with a degree in administrative leadership. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Getting a degree from this school would be a big honor and make my family happy,â&#x20AC;? Thomas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be a part of this school for the rest of my life.â&#x20AC;?

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small step no. 34

FETCH THIS PAPER YOURSELF TAKE A SMALL STEP TO GET HEALTHY www.smallstep.gov

John Walker

john.t.walker-1@ou.edu

HOROSCOPE By Eugenia Last

MONDAY, December 8, 2014 Change can be a good thing if you are adaptable. The growth you will experience this year should be embraced and allowed to unfold naturally. Welcome whatever comes your way and be open to the opportunities that adversity can offer. Take control and make things happen. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Look for a challenge that stimulates your senses and motivates you to do your best. Regardless of what path you take, patience and hard work will be required. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Ask pertinent questions, or someone will offer you a false impression. Choose a reliable friend or relative to give you an honest assessment of your current situation. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- DonĘźt be a pushover. Stick to your plan and donĘźt let anyone talk you out of doing something you have your heart set on. Missed opportunities will lead to regrets. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- An increase in professional commitments will keep you busier than usual. Undue stress will cause minor health problems. ItĘźs OK to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed or if you fall behind. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Dealing with relatives may try your patience. Pick your battles. If you turn a minor disagreement into a major confrontation, everyone will be upset and no one will come out a winner.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Try not to get too frazzled about the changes going on around you. Jumping to conclusions before all the facts are in will add to your distress. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- If you are feeling pressured by someone, cozy up to fun, optimistic friends. Avoid sharing your disappointments with others, and keep your focus positive. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Your patience will be tested. Your peers may feel that they have all the answers. Get your point across without alienating the people you deal with daily if you want to avoid repercussions. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- YouĘźll receive mixed signals from a colleague today. If you are not sure what is expected of you, ask. Speculation on your part will only add to the confusion. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Today is about making money and getting ahead. Take control of your situation. Attend business courses, go for interviews and find a market for your ideas and skills. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Slow down and make critical decisions based on facts. Think matters through and ferret out information that can help you make a wise choice. ItĘźs better to be safe than sorry. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- DonĘźt jeopardize your reputation. Stay away from anyone whose ethics or morals are in question. Others will judge you by the company you keep. Choose your friends wisely.

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker December 8, 2014

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NOT BACK YET By Janice K. Klute

SPORTS

Finals Week Edition, Fall 2014 •

FOOTBALL

GRADES ARE IN See how the Sooners stacked up this fall DILLION HOLLINGSWORTH SPORTS REPORTER

QUARTERBACK:

C+

Okay, so maybe all that hype surrounding Trevor Knight at the beginning of the season was too much. People may have put too much into one big win against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Knight performed adequately through the team’s first four games but began to regress during the TCU game and never really got things going again (with the exception of his performance in the loss to Kansas State). Then the injury against Baylor knocked him out for the final three games. Cody Thomas didn’t exactly get to play in the best weather scenarios but did see improvements from each start. Oklahoma will have an interesting storyline at quarterback in the spring.

DEFENSIVE LINE:

The defensive front has been a good barometer for OU’s defensive performance this season. When they have been able to put pressure on the opposing quarterback, the results have been positive for the crimson and cream. But in games like their blowout loss to Baylor, the other team’s signal caller had plenty of time to find an open receiver. Much of the blame has landed on defensive coordinator Mike Stoops and his shift away from the aggressive play-calling that worked so well for the Sooners earlier in the year. Sophomore tackle Jordan Phillips has been one of OU’s most consistent players this season and has seen his potential NFL draft stock rise considerably. Oklahoma was second in the Big 12 in rushing defense heading into the game against Oklahoma State.

JACKIE EBY/THE DAILY

OU’s offensive team runs the ball during OU’s home game against OSU Saturday.

RUNNING BACKS:

Not many people predicted the running game to perform the way it did this year. Keith Ford was the No. 1 back and played like it for the first three games, until he was sidelined for six weeks with a fractured foot. In that time span, freshman Samaje Perine — the No. 4 guy on the depth chart during the summer — emerged as the leader of the offense with his breakout performance against West Virginia and his record setting performance against Kansas, notching an FBS record 427 rushing yards. Since then, it’s been all Perine, and deservedly so. The Sooners have a special player at running back. Don’t be surprised if he is a Heisman Trophy candidate for years to come.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

WIDE RECEIVERS:

C+

Special teams were a distinct advantage for OU to start the season. Sophomore Alex Ross had key kick returns for touchdowns against West Virginia and Texas, and senior kicker Michael Hunnicutt was as reliable as they come. Hunnicutt has since had a nightmare game in the loss to Kansas State, and teams have found different ways to avoid putting the ball in Ross’ hands. Combine that with injuries that kept junior wide receiver Sterling Shepard from ever developing a rhythm in the punt return game, and any advantage the Sooners had on special teams has effectively been neutralized. The potential for big plays is still there, but they have been unable to produce down the stretch.

The receiving group was the most interesting position coming into the season due to the fact that outside of Sterling Shepard and Durron Neal, no one had seen any significant playing time. Shepard exceeded expectations for the first half of the season, until suffering a groin injury on the first play of the Iowa State game that has lingered with him ever since. The passing game has suffered because of it and because of Knight’s injury as well. But in Shepard’s absence, younger guys have had the opportunity to gain valuable Big 12 experience that will assuredly carry over next season.

OFFENSIVE LINE:

B+

This group has been largely overshadowed by the incredible season Perine has had, but if it weren’t for the big guys up front, that wouldn’t even be a discussion. The offensive line has only allowed six sacks all year, which leads the nation. So often this season, the offensive line provided holes for the running backs and they were rewarded for it, even if not nationally, but internally. Oftentimes this year, the offensive line was being compared to those in the NFL in terms of size. The unit will lose three starters, but younger players will step in just fine as has been the case in previous years.

See the full report card online at OUDaily.com

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• Finals Week Edition, Fall 2014

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