OU defender ready to disrespect Texas in SEC

Oklahoma security Billy Bowman was in Dallas this week for SEC Media Days. While there, the defender immediately attacked his rival Texas.

The Sooners and Longhorns are participating in their first SEC media event after joining the league this offseason. Bowman is excited about this departure from the Big 12 for one reason in particular.

In its previous conference, Oklahoma players who used the “Horns Down” hand gesture were penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. This was a rule put in place by the Big 12 to protect Texas from ridicule on the field, as the gesture has become the go-to form of disrespect for the Longhorns.

This will not be the case in the SEC.

Although there is a possibility While the use of the signal is flagged, not every instance will be considered an unsportsmanlike infraction. Each “Horns Down” will be judged on a case-by-case basis, meaning players can exploit the rule to their own advantage!

From SEC Coordinator of Officials John McDaid:

“Unsportsmanlike conduct must fall into one of three categories: Is it provoking an opponent? Is it making a mockery of a game? Does it compromise our ability to manage the game? There is a difference between a player waving directly at an opponent and doing so with teammates celebrating after a touchdown or on the sideline. Simply put, not every instance is an act of unsportsmanlike conduct.”

McDaid provided additional clarification at SEC Media Days this week.

SEC Coordinator of Officials John McDaid Explains How the Conference Will Legislate the ‘Horns Down’ Hand Gesture pic.twitter.com/fSpRFB2OnB

— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) July 16, 2024

The coordinator of officials cited the “Gator Chomp” and the “Landshark Fin” as examples already seen in the SEC. The conference will not address the Longhorns!

Billy Bowman is ready to launch ‘Horns Down’ after being restricted last year.

As long as the act is not done directly on an opponent, it’s fair game!

Bowman was asked about the gesture at a press conference Tuesday and it’s safe to say he’s looking forward to disrespecting his rival on the field next season.

“It shouldn’t be a penalty, anyway. Everybody has a hand signal. If you let a hand signal affect you and affect the game, maybe you shouldn’t be there. Allowing us to use the ‘Horns Down’ is cool… If it can’t be part of the game, that’s pretty sweet.”

– Billy Bowman, OU security officer

The safety simultaneously threw Texas and the Big 12 under the bus with a single comment.

Oklahoma looks set for SEC play. Expect to see “Horns Down” early and often in 2024!