Jeff Lebby clarifies Art Briles' presence, apologizes for 'distraction'
After former Baylor coach Art Briles was seen on the field after Oklahoma’s game against SMU on Saturday, offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby clarified his presence and apologized for having him on the field.
Briles, who is Lebby’s father-in-law, was fired from Baylor in 2016 after investigations into the school’s failure to handle sexual assault claims, including claims from football players. Briles was on the field with his family following the game.
“Just want everybody to understand, my father-in-law, his presence on the field after the game the other night, is something that created a distraction,” Lebby said in a press conference Monday. “I do apologize for that. That was not the intent at all. The intent was just to celebrate with my family.”
After the game, there were some claims that Briles had a sideline pass, but Lebby cleared up those claims.
“I do want to correct some claims that he had a sideline pass,” Lebby said. “There was not a sideline pass given out. He was actually on the field only when other families were down there and were present.”
Lebby also said that he talked with Oklahoma’s athletics director and head coach Brent Venables about the situation afterwards.
“Joe Castiglione and Coach Venables have both addressed concerns with me, have talked to me about it and again can make sure that everybody understands that this is something that will not come up again,” Lebby said.