No one disputes Oklahoma LB Eric Striker’s status as one of the nation’s top defensive talents.
But his actions after the Sooners’ double-overtime win at Neyland Stadium had Tennessee coach Butch Jones questioning his sportsmanship.
At least that’s what Striker says went down following the 31-24 Oklahoma win on Saturday night.
Have a look at what cameras caught of his behavior after the conclusion of the game:
Erik Striker congratulating Tennessee fans on a well-fought game and letting them know how much he respects the SEC pic.twitter.com/kxEGV7NmER
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 13, 2015
According to Oklahoma beat writer Jason Kersey’s Twitter account, Striker says that his banter with the Vols faithful drew criticism from Jones in a post-game encounter:
Eric Striker to Tennessee fans: “Tell your recruits to come to OU”
— Jason Kersey (@jasonkersey) September 13, 2015
Eric Striker said Butch Jones approached him during the post game celebration and said, “You’re a helluva player, but have some damn class.”
— Jason Kersey (@jasonkersey) September 13, 2015
Striker said he thinks Jones’ comments were about his postgame celebrating, not his comments earlier this week
— Jason Kersey (@jasonkersey) September 13, 2015
Striker drew plenty of attention on himself prior to Saturday’s game with his comments about the SEC in the days leading up to the contest.
Highlights from Striker’s thoughts on the SEC:
“I don’t know why people blow gas up their ass all the time. I don’t understand why.”
“I like to prove people wrong. I love that. They say this about you, say this about your opponent, the SEC has this and has that … what they don’t understand is you got to get it done between the lines. Who’s the better team when the whistle blows between the lines?”
“I hope SEC players don’t let it go to their head, because that’s how you get beat. I’m look forward it, to gas them up and bring them right back down to Earth.”
“It’s just one of those things. Let’s prove the world wrong. But it never works. The next year, it’s the same thing. I’ve been hearing it since I was in high school … SEC … SEC … SEC …”
“SEC, Big 12, Pac 10, MAC … it’s all football at the end of the day, whatever they throw at you.”
It’s certainly plausible that Jones was already miffed at the way the linebacker handled himself handled himself through the media, leading to a less than pleasant reception to his post-game antics.
What do you think, SEC fans?
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
