A 2-year-old video showing University of Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon punching a female student was released to the Associated Press on Friday.
The move was seen as a proactive one, since the Oklahoma Supreme Court ordered the release of the video last week after the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters sued to obtain it.
The video—taken July 25, 2014, inside Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe in Norman, Okla.—shows Mixon and student Amelia Molitor exchanging words before Molitor pushes Mixon. The student-athlete retaliates with a feint (never touching her), after which Molitor slaps him before he floors her with a right hand to the face. Molitor remains on the floor and under the table for several minutes.
USA Today reports that Mixon pleaded guilty to assault after the incident and was suspended for his freshman season. Molitor sustained multiple injuries, including a broken jaw and cheekbone. Mixon did not serve jail time and was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.
“Mr. Mixon asked us to once again say he is sorry for the way he acted that night,” a statement through his attorneys said. “He has publicly apologized to Ms. Molitor, her friends, his family, teammates, and the University. He hopes that his voluntary release of these recordings will help put this matter to rest.”
Last year Mixon returned and helped the Sooners reach the College Football Playoff.
The University of Oklahoma issued the following statement Friday night following the video releases:
University officials were made aware of the content of the video prior to taking action with respect to Joe Mixon. Based on that information, the university immediately suspended and removed Mr. Mixon from the football team for one year, during which high standards of conduct were expected and maintained.
It was made clear to Mr. Mixon at the time of his suspension that violence against women will not go unpunished at the university. Coach (Bob) Stoops has been proactive in presenting training for his team aimed at preventing such behavior in the future. Sensitivity training in the area of violence has been intensified and best practices will continue to be implemented.
The New York Daily News reports that Molitor is currently suing Mixon, who has claimed that racial slurs directed toward him started the fight; a judge dismissed two-thirds of Molitor’s lawsuit last month.
Oklahoma will play Auburn in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2 in what is expected to be Mixon's final game with the Sooners before he enters the NFL draft.
Read more at USA Today and the New York Daily News.