Oklahoma State coach Gundy injures eye after run-in on ranch. On the heels of three straight losses, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy took another hit during the Cowboys’ bye week, suffering an unusual eye injury that forced him to move his weekly, in-person news conference to Zoom on Monday morning.
“Well, I had a little run-in with my cattle over the weekend,” Gundy (Oklahoma State coach) told reporters. “I guess they’ve been watching us play and I got headbutted. So I’ve got a bad eye that I didn’t think would be particularly enjoyable for people when they were looking at my pretty face in a live interview.
Eli Lederman, ESPN Staff Writer
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“More importantly, it’s full of blood, and I get dizzy. So it’s not easy to be upright and be in a normal function. But other than that, I’m doing great.”
Gundy, in his 20th season in charge of Oklahoma State, is expected to coach the Cowboys when they visit No. 13 BYU on Friday. However, further details on the injury and how they might impact Gundy in his duties for the 9:15 p.m. ET kickoff in Provo, Utah, are not yet clear.
“It should get better every day,” Gundy said. “Hopefully it’ll get a little better. But I’m fine. I’m working the same hours. I mean, it’s no big deal. I just didn’t think it was very appealing.”
Gundy and the Cowboys head to unbeaten BYU in Week 8 reeling from three straight losses that have taken the air out of the Big 12 and College Football Playoff aspirations Oklahoma State carried into the regular season.
After a 3-0 start this fall, the Cowboys now sit at 3-3 following consecutive defeats to Utah, Kansas State and West Virginia and 0-3 in conference play for the first time since 2005.
Oklahoma State opened as a nine-point road underdog at BYU.
The news of Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy suffering an eye injury after an incident on his ranch is certainly noteworthy, especially considering his important position as the head coach of a college football team. Here are some thoughts on the incident:
1. **Health and Impact on His Job**:
Eye injuries can be serious, especially when they involve vision. In the case of a coach like Mike Gundy, such an injury could affect his ability to perform his daily duties, both in practice and in games. As a head coach, he is a key figure who must be involved in leading the team and providing strategic direction. If this injury requires a lengthy recovery, there is a chance that he will have to miss or limit his physical activity, which could impact the team’s performance.
2. **Public and Team Reaction**:
An injury that does not occur during football activities, but rather on a private ranch, could elicit a variety of reactions from fans and the media. Gundy is known for being a strong and resilient figure, so many may be hoping for a speedy recovery. Additionally, this injury may also elicit sympathy and support from Oklahoma State players, staff, and supporters. Team spirit often comes when coaches face personal challenges.
3. **Media Focus**:
While this is a non-sports injury, the media will likely focus more on Mike Gundy’s lifestyle and off-field activities. He is known for being a strong character and sometimes controversial, so this incident could add color to the public narrative about him. There could be speculation about how this incident happened and whether there are steps that need to be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
4. **Impact on Oklahoma State Football Team**:
If Gundy is out for an extended period of time, an assistant coach would likely step in on an interim basis. This could be a challenge for Oklahoma State this season, depending on how long Gundy’s recovery takes and how much the injury affects his ability to lead the team. Any disruption in the head coach’s leadership could affect the team’s momentum, especially during a competitive season.
### Takeaway:
This injury is certainly surprising, especially since it happened in a non-sports context. However, the primary focus should be on Mike Gundy’s recovery and how the team and coaching staff can adapt to the situation. Given his reputation as a tough and experienced coach, he will likely look to return as soon as possible, but his health must remain the top priority.