Wednesday 3/30

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Even with a ratings win, Oscars lose with Will Smith’s slap ‘Everyone was disappointed’ Josh Rottenberg and Meg James Los Angeles Times LOS ANGELES — One day after Will Smith struck Chris Rock across the face during Sunday night’s 94th Academy Awards, the shock waves from what some were calling “the slap heard around the world” continued to reverberate throughout Hollywood.

In the wake of the altercation, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences faced calls from some of its own members to punish Smith, who went on later to win the lead actor prize for his performance in the feel-good film “King Richard.” On Monday, academy leaders held an emergency meeting to discuss the unprecedented outburst of violence during what was intended to be a morale-boosting celebration of movies for a beleaguered film industry.

“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” the organization said in a statement. “We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.”

In 2017, the academy enacted a code of conduct for its members in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal. “There is no place in the Academy for people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates recognized standards of decency,” the code reads, in part. “If any member is found by the Board of Governors to have violated these standards or to have compromised the integrity of the Academy by their actions, the Board of Governors may take any disciplinary action permitted by the Academy’s bylaws, including suspension or expulsion.”

While the academy’s 54-member board routinely holds a postmortem meeting in the weeks after the Oscars, sources say the board will convene this Wednesday to address the Smith situation.

Late Monday afternoon, Smith issued an apology to Rock, the academy, the producers and “everyone watching around the world.”

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” Smith said in the post on his Instagram feed. “My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally,” Smith wrote. “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

Representatives for the academy and Rock did not respond to requests for further comment by press time.

The shocking altercation was sparked when Rock, while presenting the award for documentary feature, delivered a joke at the expense of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Rock said he was excited to see Pinkett Smith — who has spoken publicly of her struggles with hair loss due to alopecia — star in “G.I. Jane 2,” referring to a 1997 film in which Demi Moore played a soldier with a shaved head. Furious, Smith stormed the stage and slapped Rock with an open hand, shouting, “Keep my wife’s name out your f----- mouth!”

Less than an hour later, Smith received the lead actor prize — his first Oscar win after two previous nominations — for his turn as the father of Venus and Serena Williams. (Academy members had finished casting their ballots in the week before the ceremony). In an emotional speech running nearly six minutes, the actor apologized to the academy and to his fellow nominees and expressed his hope that the academy would “invite me back.” Many in the Dolby stood and cheered, while others seemed uncertain how to react.

Shortly after the show concluded Sunday, the show’s first-time producer, Will Packer, who had vowed to inject more entertainment pizazz into the telecast, tweeted, “Welp, I said it wouldn’t be boring. #Oscars” On Monday, in response to a Twitter user who criticized that initial response as glib, Packer shared more of his feelings. “Black people have a defiant spirit of laughter when it comes to dealing with pain because there has been so much of it,” he wrote. “I don’t feel the need to elucidate that for you. But I also don’t mind being transparent and say that this was a very painful moment for me. On many levels.”

As many across Hollywood expressed sadness and dismay at the derailing of one of Hollywood’s most cherished rituals, executives at ABC, which aired the telecast, also wrestled with mixed emotions.

Until the slapping incident, network executives felt the show had been proceeding exceptionally well.

They praised the show’s musical performances from stars including Beyoncé and Billie Eilish as well as the trio of female hosts: Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes.

Network executives were relieved there wasn’t

Chris Rock, left, and Will Smith onstage during the 94th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday.

an Oscars sweep for any one film, which tends to make a long evening predictable, prompting viewers to turn off their TVs well before the final categories are announced. Show producers also found ways to honor Oscar winners whose categories were announced before the prime-time telecast, tamping down the film industry controversy that flared in the run-up to the show.

In the end, the heartwarming “CODA,” released

by Apple, won best picture, marking the first time that a streaming company and a film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival have ever claimed the academy’s top prize.

Still, people close to the production said the incident involving Smith and Rock was deeply troubling for all of those involved with the show, even as it provided the sort of electrifying jolt that live awards shows like the Oscars need to hook viewers.

While some viewers immediately wondered whether it was a staged sketch, those in the Dolby could see that it wasn’t. “It was visceral — you could hear Will’s hand strike Chris, and then you could see Chris’ reaction,” said one network executive who was not authorized to speak publicly.

“It was really a bizarre moment, and I wish the moment didn’t happen for both of those men, but it’s the kind of moment that you will only get on live TV,” the network executive said.

A second person close to Sunday night’s production said, “Everyone was really just blindsided.

The joke wasn’t on the teleprompter, and what Will did was not OK. It was just a slap in the face to everyone, no pun intended. Really, everyone was disappointed that it happened because it took away from the spirit of the night.”

As tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams exited the Dolby Theater immediately after the telecast, they avoided interactions with members of the audience, including a reporter for the Los Angeles Times.

Family patriarch Richard Williams (whom Smith portrayed in “King Richard”) separately expressed his disapproval. According to NBC News, Williams’ son Chavoita LeSane released a statement

Courtesy of Tribune News Service

from Williams that said: “We don’t know all the details of what happened. But we don’t condone anyone hitting anyone else unless it’s in self-defense.” Williams suffers from the effects of strokes, and did not attend the show.

Hollywood union SAG-AFTRA, which represents performers, said in a statement Monday the slapping incident “was unacceptable.”

“SAG-AFTRA is focused on ensuring our members always work in a safe environment. Violence or physical abuse in the workplace is never appropriate and the union condemns any such conduct ... We have been in contact with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC about this incident, and will work to ensure this behavior is appropriately addressed.”

Sunday’s telecast drew an average of 15.4 million viewers, up 56% from last year’s pandemicdampened show. Still, while the bump in viewership was a relief to the academy and ABC, the show still ranks as the second-lowest-rated Oscars ever. Just eight years ago, the Oscars brought in more than 40 million viewers.

Critiquing the Oscars has become a kind of national bloodsport in recent years, as the academy has grappled with the #OscarsSoWhite firestorm and a best picture snafu in 2017 in which the wrong winner was initially announced on stage. The troubling episode between Smith and Rock provided more grist for some on social media who lambasted the show and Hollywood.

Looking ahead, the cacophony of criticism is sure to put additional pressure on ABC, the academy and producers who stage the annual event.

“These types of headlines make it very hard for us to attract producers and a host,” the ABC executive said. “There seems to be a fascination among some to try to kill the show. All these haters are out there, trying to pull it down.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 2 Wednesday, March 30, 2022

O’Colly

SUAB hosted a night full of Arabian culture last Thursday with live music, crafts and henna.

All photos by Noah Weber

STILLWATER’S MATTRESS STORE 424 SOUTH MAIN STREET, STILLWATER,OK 74074

405-624-3212

WWW.STILLWATERFURNITURESHOWCASE.COM

MONDAY-SATURDAY | 9:30 - 6:00 SUNDAY | 1:00 - 5:00

O’Colly

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Page 3

Lifestyle

Flower power

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm Thursday - Saturday: 10:00am - 11:00pm

128 N Main St. Stillwater, OK 74075 Great selection, prices, & staff!

405.372.5080

Abby Cage

Bradford pear trees are in full bloom. Though they are not always the most pleasant smelling, these trees are a beautiful staple of spring being back as you go outside to enjoy the warmer weather.

Page 4 Wednesday, March 30, 2022

O’Colly

sports

Abby Cage

Football notebook: Gundy talks new contract, Boone Pickens Stadium In 2022, Mike Gundy became the highest-paid coach in the Big 12.

the year.

It makes Gundy the highest-paid coach in the Big 12.

On top of this salary increase for this year, after every season, Gundy will receive an additional $125,000 each year. Gundy gave credit to university president Dr. Kayse Shrum and athletic director Chad Gabriel Trevino Weiberg for prioritizing athletics at OSU. “(Shrum and Weiberg) have taken care of everyStaff Reporter one in our building,” Gundy said. “This is just another one. I am very pleased with the way they have handled Mike Gundy put his pen to the line and signed a it and gotten us to a point where it will last for years contract months ago. to come.”

The OSU football coach was given a new conBoone Pickens Stadium alterations: tract in the midst of an 11-2 season in 2021, and the On Monday morning, OSU announced it would details and changes of the contract were released. invest $40 million into renovating Boone Pickens StaBefore OSU’s second week of practice on Mon- dium. The new additions emphasize fan’s seating, proday, Gundy spoke about his contract and other topics. viding more leg room and more comfortable seats for Restructuring a deal: the thousands of fans who attend OSU home games.

In October, Gundy signed a perpetual five-year More aisles will be added in the higher level contract, an agreement between coach and administra- seating areas of the stadium, allowing for improved tion that will automatically renew after each season. walkways. These changes will decrease the seating OSU announced Friday that Gundy’s salary for 2022 capacity in the stadium from around 60 thousand to will increase by $1 million, totaling $7.5 million for 55 thousand, but Gundy is not concerned with fewer

fans in attendance.

“I think they (OSU decision makers) made a great decision,” Gundy said. “One of the issues we may have to deal with is livestreaming. Students may watch the game on their phone or stay home. Tailgaters can put an 80-inch TV in their tent. We can still fill (Boone Pickens Stadium) up though.”

Big backup: Over the course of 24 hours, OSU addressed the lack of depth on the offensive line with three new transfers: Casey Collier from USC, Jason Brooks from Vanderbilt and Prince Pines from Sam Houston State.

In the offseason, OSU lost four offensive lineman to the transfer portal, and two starters in 2021, Josh Sills and Danny Godlevske, graduated.

Collier and Brooks both transferred to OSU from Power Five conference programs, while Pines was a part of Sam Houston State’s 2021 FCS national championship.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Party/Semi-formal Pageant/Performace Wedding

121 E 9th Ave, Downtown www.formalfantasy.com 405-780-7720

O’Colly

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Page 5

Lifestyle

Trivia trials The village Board of Directors hosts trivia night for students Payton Little Staff Reporter

array of topics such as general knowledge, OSU history and even fictional planets. It offered an experience that was fairly unique compared to most trivia nights, as it broke away from the typical categories that are usually found at these events.

Many students got to enjoy the festivities of the night, including John Muths, a freshman majoring in electrical engineering at Oklahoma State.

“I had a lot of fun at the trivia night,” Muths said. “The food was really helpful in bringing me in, then I found some of my friends and we actually ended up getting second place. So yeah, it was a ton of fun.”

It may have been trivia, but no one was left questioning if they had a good time on Monday night.

On Monday, the Village ACD Board of Directors hosted a trivia night on the second floor of the Kerr-Drummond Mezzanine.

All participants of the event were treated to free Raising Cane’s catering, a night of good music and trivia and gift cards for the brightest of the bunch. Helping host the event was John Ramirez, a CM within residential life at Oklahoma State. Ramirez got to help in reading off questions, selecting questions and making sure the event went successful.

“Trivia is one of the ways we capture the student’s attention and have a good time,” Ramirez said.” We did well.

We definitely ran out of food.”

The categories covered a wide entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

WHEN IS LITTLE MUCH?

There is a short chorus that has encouraged me many times. “Little is much if God is in it. Labor not for wealth or fame. There’s a crown and you can win it. If you go in Jesus’ name.”

The woman, who poured the precious ointment on Jesus just before he was crucified, was criticized for “wasting” this expensive item. Yet, Jesus said everywhere the gospel is preached this woman’s action would be told. (Mk 14:3-9) Little things mean a lot as we are willing to serve the Lord. Paul mentions many in Romans 16 who helped him. The Good Samaritan stopped to help the man beaten and robbed.

(Lu.10:30-37) Paul writes as you have opportunity, do good to all men, especially to other believers.(Gal.6:10) When the poor widow dropped the two pennies, all that she had, into the temple offering. Jesus said she gave more the large offerings given. Her “large giving” was in relation to what she had. (Mk.12:41-44)

Many people may plan to give when they receive a great amount of money, but that large amount of money may never come. We may plan to give time or talent to a project when we have more time, but that perfect time arrangement may never happen. Again, the apostle Paul encourages us “as you have opportunity, do good to all men.”

We never know when a little gesture of kindness, with money, or helping in an area of service, spending a little time with a person, a word of encouragement, will be just the action that will be a great help to someone. These can be practical ways of living out the Lord’s challenge to love one another. This is the fulfilling of the many commandments in the Bible: loving people by word and action.

away! e d i H inal g i r eO h t out k ec h C

SINCE 1957,

230 S. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK 74074

Jaiden Daughty Students gathered to participate in a trivia night for OSU residents in The Villages.

Stop in for fresh Fried Mushrooms or Pizza made to your liking!

Page 6 Wednesday, March 30, 2022

O’Colly

sports

Senior instructor Taylor growing as secondary leader Adam Engel Staff Reporter Amid whistles, Jason Taylor II witnessed a mistake.

During practice, a young OSU linebacker blew his assignment.

Taylor, a fifth-year safety, didn’t erupt. He didn’t abuse his seniority by belittling his teammate for the screw-up.

In a calm demonstration, Taylor displayed his tact and leadership skills, correcting the linebacker’s technique.

The impromptu teaching moment served as an example of his growth. The days of Taylor, a former special teams member cast in the shadows of his teammates, are over.

His career to this point is highlighted by gamechanging blocked punts, lengthy returns for touchdowns and fumble recoveries.

Now, his abilities are no secret.

His starting backfield allies are gone. Safeties like Tre Sterling and Kolby Harvell-Peel are NFLbound. The rest of the starters found new schools or exhausted eligibility.

Taylor is the only returning starter in OSU’s secondary. His teammates are looking for him to lead.

“It’s really a brand-new feel,” Taylor said. “This year, we’re already moving way further than I thought we would be.”

Taylor, from Oklahoma City, plans to use a leadership style focused on a vocal/leading by example hybrid.

“I’m vocal but I’m not as vocal as Kolby,” he said. “But I’m not as quiet as Malcolm (Rodriguez).

So, it’s a mix.”

The simple gesture of assisting a young teammate didn’t go unnoticed. Defensive end Sione Asi has watched Taylor’s progression.

“That just shows the experience that Jason has and the respect everyone has for him to just be able to come up,” Asi said. “The linebackers are willing to listen to him and tell him, ‘Alright, I’ll fix it next

Habbie Colen After an experienced secondary was gutted this offseason, safety Jason Taylor II will guide a deep group of cornerbacks and safeties this season.

time.’ He’s a huge help and I’m glad he came back.”

Taylor learned from Rodriguez’s relentless work ethic. No matter his role, the work must show.

“I don’t really look at it differently,” Taylor said.

“Even before I was starting, I came every day and tried to play like I was a starter.”

Years of experience led Taylor to this opportunity. He spent hundreds of hours observing his teammates. Through four years in Stillwater, he’s learned what it takes to excel.

Inserted into games because of injury, he earned his role.

“He’s played a lot so now he needs to grab the reins and give himself a chance to really perform at a high level and lead for the other guys in the secondary,” coach Mike Gundy said.

This spring, Taylor’s time is here.

“I think we’re pretty far,” he said. “I know we have a lot to work on. Things are just now getting a roll as fast as they should be. I think we’re heading in the right direction.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

O’Colly

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Page 7

Classifieds Business Squares Craft Beer Forum!

April 9th, 2022!

Purchase your tickets at www. craftbeerforum ofoklahoma.com

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

Advertise your business in our Business Squares. Call 744-7355 or email lori@ ocolly.com

FOR RELEASE MARCH 30, 2022

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Business Squares

Church Meetings

“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University.

Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Join the New Covenant Fellowship for service every Sunday at 10am and share in our passion for Jesus Christ!”

DID YOU KNOW..

O'COLLY MEDIA GROUP

THE O'COLLY Daily Online Edition Print Edition Every Friday 8,000 Copies Printed & distributed on OSU Campus & Stillwater Community Display Advertising and Classified Advertising is available.

WWW.OCOLLY.COM The OMG! website averages around 60k users/month.

Our website features all OMG! content in one place including news, sports, photo, and video.

Clickable display web ads are available for purchaseanalytics can be tracked and reported.

TWITTER We are active on twitter sharing all of the latest news, our daily online edition of The O'Colly, and all other OMG! Content. We have almost 20k followers.

Twitter Advertising is available.

O'COLLY TV O'Colly TV is available on Apple TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire Stick, App Store & Google Play.

O'Colly TV features live programming including a weekly newscast, sports shows, and events.

Orange Pages, the OMG! Business Directory, is the sponsor of all programming on O'Colly TV.

BUNDLES SAVE MONEY and reach our limitless community by signing up for our highly discounted bundles. These include consistent advertising on all platforms listed above plus additional perks and discounts.

ONLY $250/MONTH

Daily Horoscope ads@ocolly.com

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 Yoga aid that helps prevent slipping 4 Weather report stats 8 Recipe amts.

13 In the past 14 Sale rack abbr.

16 Linda Ronstadt’s “Blue __” 17 “Misery” co-star 19 Like most tennis shots 20 In full view 21 “My turn to bat” 23 Cruise with a big price tag 24 Equine control 25 Merged comm. giant 26 On 28 Versatile awardwinning Indian film star known by his initials “SRK” 33 Starting gun 36 Move slightly ... like a mouse?

37 Hullabaloo 38 Cut (off) 39 Water source 41 Pachuca pronoun 42 URL ender 43 Cycle starter 44 Red letters in a dark theater 46 Fly over Africa 48 Oscar-nominated actress for “Paper Moon” and “Blazing Saddles” 51 Ultimatum word 52 Big noise 53 “Cornflake Girl” singer Tori 57 Obama __ 58 Spoken 60 Food recall cause 61 Cop to 63 Swindler ... or, phonetically, what each of three puzzle answers is?

65 Rachmaninoff’s instrument 66 Celebrity chef Eddie 67 Yellow or Red follower 68 Group’s belief

3/30/22

By Seth Bisen-Hersh

69 Places to relax 70 Explosive letters DOWN 1 Collegian’s choice 2 Tequila source 3 “My Cousin Vinny” Oscar winner Marisa 4 Suffix with craigs 5 “LOTR” menace 6 Eerie apparition 7 Two-__: fastballs named for the grip used to throw them 8 Undetermined: Abbr.

9 “Bluebeard’s Castle” composer Béla 10 Toady 11 Dickinson work 12 South of France?

15 Animal that sounds fresh 18 Dadaist Max 22 India neighbor 25 Star systems 27 Wallop 29 Monopoly miniatures 30 Sport-__: off-road vehicle

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

31 Fruit drinks 32 A or E, but not I, O or U 33 Horner’s surprise 34 New Rochelle college 35 Doctor Octopus foe 40 Bowler’s target 45 Boring 47 Sign into law 49 Friend of Jerry and George

3/30/22

50 Abduct 54 Damp 55 Elizabeth of “WandaVision” 56 Occupy, as a table 57 Actress Falco 59 German gripe 60 Bits of work 61 Fitting 62 Two-year-old, say 64 NHL’s Ducks, on scoreboards

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (03/30/22). Connect and share to grow this year. Consistent collaboration with talented friends produces valuable results. A lucrative springtime haul allows extra summer support for challenged joint accounts.

Together, reap an abundant autumn harvest that provides personal financial stability next winter. Realize big dreams with teamwork.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Take time for yourself. Savor solitude and peaceful planning. Consider a situation from a wider view. Notice hidden opportunities. Advance a personal dream.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Pull together and a team dream comes into focus. The odds are good for success. Take advantage of unexpected opportunities. Long-term benefits develop.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Professional priorities have your attention. A lucky break deserves enthusiastic action. Drop or postpone what you can. Rising status and influence is available.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Your adventure could take an unexpected twist. Stay flexible and it could get magical. Spontaneous deviations can develop into lasting rewards. Expand your exploration.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Discover extra benefits with a shared venture. Unexpected perks or windfall fruit could appear, rope for the picking.

Develop lucrative possibilities together.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Explore a mutual attraction. Strategize and coordinate for greatest ease. Give and take. Share support, love and comfort.

Acknowledge another’s talents and skills.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Maintain healthy practices like exercise, good food and rest. Equipment upgrades can increase performance levels. A pleasant surprise provides lasting benefit. Enjoy nature.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Relax and enjoy the scenery.

Someone nearby looks good. Take an unexpected opportunity for fun and romance. Talk about dreams, interests and your favorite games.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Domestic dreams are within reach.

Make a change you’ve been long wanting. Choose upgrades for lasting quality and value. Nurture family with delicious flavors.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — You’re especially creative. Express your brilliant ideas. Grab an unscheduled opportunity to take your craft to the next level. Luck advances a long-held dream.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Lucrative opportunities develop naturally. You can realize a dreamy possibility. Harvest a bountiful windfall.

Conserve some for the future. Replenish stores and provisions.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Take charge of your own destiny. You can have the results you’re willing to work for. Luck is on your side. A personal dream comes calling.

Level 1

2

3

4

3/30/22

Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

© 2022 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Page 8 Wednesday, March 30, 2022

O’Colly