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Brent Venables Criticizes ‘Weird’ Oklahoma Student Reporters’ John Mateer Coverage

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Sep 26, 2025 1:56 PM ET

If Oklahoma football coach Brent Venables didn’t know about the school’s current crop of aspiring journalists, then he certainly does now.

Venables criticized student reporters from OU Daily Sports, the school’s independent news organization, after they traveled to Max Westheimer Airport to cover quarterback John Mateer’s return from California. Mateer traveled via private jet to have surgery on a broken bone in his right hand.

“I know there were some of y’all that were kind of weird and hung out at the airport for him,” Venables said. “You know who you are. It sounds like he avoided you.”

OU Daily Sports reporter Willie Gillespie accused law enforcement of blocking their view of Mateer leaving the plane. Gillespie’s video on the story had over 100,000 views as of Friday afternoon.

To his credit, Venables promised on-site media, including the student reporters in question, that they would still have a chance to speak with Mateer. However, neither Mateer nor Michael Hawkins Jr.—who will fill in when the Sooners play Kent State on Oct. 4—talked to the media on Thursday.

Neither OU Daily nor Venables had issued a follow-up statement as of Friday afternoon. It is unclear whether the incident will affect the student reporters’ access going forward.

As for Mateer, he praised Dr. Steven Shin as “the GOAT” following a successful surgery in an X/Twitter post. Mateer has completed 67.4% of his passes for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions for the No. 7 Sooners. He’s also rushed for 190 yards and five touchdowns.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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