Thursday, November 18, 2021
OSU students hold Julius Jones rally
Branson Evans
OkState Stand United held a rally urging people to contact Gov. Stitt to accept Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board’s recommendation.
Jaden Besteda Staff Reporter OkState Stand United (OKSSU) hosted a rally drawing attention to Julius Jones and encouraged people to contact Gov. Kevin Stitt to accept the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board’s recommendation. Jones has been on death row for the murder of Paul Howell, an Edmond businessman and father in 1999. Jones has maintained his innocence for over 20 years. After hearing from Jones, the board voted 3-1 recommending clemency. The decision goes to Stitt
on whether he is executed or not. OKSSU is a multicultural student-led organization dedicated to multiple social causes and pushing for a more equitable community at OSU. At the event, students addressed Stitt. “Gov. Stitt, you cannot save Julius Jones life alone by accepting this clemency hearing, the only way an innocent man can get his life back is by getting his freedom back so the clemency is the first step but it isn’t the last.” said Jayden Powell, an Okstate Stand United member. On Oct. 28 Oklahoma put to death John Grant, who reportedly convulsed and vomited as he was executed. Grant’s execution was the first to take place
since 2015 after the state halted the death penalty after the botched execution of Clayton Lockett and that of Charles Warner. Jones’ execution date is scheduled for Nov. 18. Tasneem Al-Michael, a member of Julius Jones team, also addressed Stitt. “Use your power in the best way you possibly can, you have a man’s life in your hand. The answer is really simple and easy,” Al-Michael said. “Free Julius Jones there’s a lot of good that can be accomplished if you stand on the right side of history.”
news.ed@ocolly.com
Richardson rushes angry, dissects the perfect aggressive run
Abby Cage
Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter Dominic Richardson ran with a head full of stream, and broke tackles with rage and intensity. Richardson, Oklahoma State’s second-string running back, totaled 12 carries for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Richardson broke off big runs, and fought off multiple tacklers while doing so. For Richardson, OSU’s 63-17 victory over TCU was personal.
Richardson officially signed with TCU in late 2019, however after TCU revoked his scholarship offer, he decommitted three months after signing. The Oklahoma City native would later sign with OSU in 2020. Getting snaps for the first time against the team who formerly usurped him, Richardson played with anger. “It was like an anger switch,” Richardson said. “Running with power and running with anger. It was real personal, I was fired up going out there. I was just determined. I was locked in, tunnel vision, to dominate while I was out there.” Coach Mike Gundy noticed Richardson’s anger on the field, however admitted he forgot about Richardson’s dilemma with TCU until the day after. Gundy said he only observed Richardson’s physicality while running, especially getting to the second level. Richardson, too, noticed he enjoys getting into the secondary.
“It is exciting,” Richardson said. “I think of whether I should stiff-arm, run through, or hurdle him. It is a mindset.” Richardson spoke about his type of physical running, saying he has always been a power runner. As a sophomore in high school, Richardson suffered a leg injury which caused him to miss the remainder of the season. Despite the injuries, Richardson still enjoys being physical. “If I see a guy, I try to hit them,” Richardson said. “If it makes me fall forward, I’ll break a tackle. Ever since high school I’ve been a power back. I would like to run through you rather than run around you. My first instinct is to run through.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com