Shockwaves were sent through the college football world on Saturday morning — as Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield was arrested in Fayetteville, Ark. for public intoxication and fleeing/evading arrest.

Oklahoma is embroiled in yet another issue involving a star player. The Joe Mixon incident has been well documented. Dede Westbrook had been arrested twice on charges of domestic violence (both ended up being dropped). Westbrook came from a junior college before enrolling.

Oklahoma says it did a background check on Westbrook before admitting him to the university. Inexplicably, Westbrook’s arrest records were not uncovered.

In the latest installment, head coach Bob Stoops and the Sooners’ brass will have to decide on a potential punishment for their star signal-caller.

There’s been no public decision made on Mayfield’s status for next season. Should he be suspended, it would be interesting to see not only how it would affect Oklahoma’s year — but also Mayfield’s potential Heisman candidacy.

 

Mayfield is widely regarded as a favorite for the award heading into the 2017 season. Other players projected to battle for the honor include last year’s winner Lamar Jackson, USC QB Sam Darnold, Oklahoma St. QB Mason Rudolph, Alabama RB Bo Scarbrough, UW QB Jake Browning, LSU RB Derrius Guice, Alabama QB Jalen Hurts, and Penn State RB Saquon Barkley.

Based upon how the Westbrook and Mixon situations were handled, it’s quite possible OU will overcompensate and levy a stiffer consequence on Mayfield. Oklahoma opens the 2017 season against UTEP — followed by a huge non-conference game the following week at Ohio State. Should Mayfield miss the OSU game, former Texas A&M QB Kyler Murray would likely get the call.

Even though we’re only in February, one unfortunate evening already may have implications on college football’s most prestigious individual award.