Baker Mayfield grabbed his crotch while taunting the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday. It drew near universal condemnation from both the media and opposing fans, and said condemnation was nearly universal in its holier-than-thou tone.

As we said in the previous post, he really shouldn’t have done that. We also suggested that everyone give us a freaking break.

This whole situation put Lincoln Riley in an uncomfortable situation. On one side, he had folks who wanted him to drop the hammer. (Berry Tramel, a well respected journalist with The Oklahoman, suggested that Baker should be suspended!) On the other, the caucus of reason suggested he deal with this more rationally.

What did Lincoln do? He split the difference; as of now, it seems like everyone is satisfied with this. Riley is removing Baker’s title of captain for a game and he’s not starting the game. The title issue is a good punishment and an obvious solution. Did Baker act like a leader? No. The punishment fits the crime.

The second part is a little more serious. Baker Mayfield has been the Sooners’ starter for three seasons; he’s undoubtedly the team’s leader and most valuable offensive player. Saturday is his senior day and a make-or-break game for Oklahoma’s CFP aspirations. Kyler Murray will start the game in Mayfield’s place, which is both a symbolic and actual punishment.

But… it won’t make a difference. Baker not being a captain doesn’t hurt the team in any way. Him not starting? It seems important, but it’s not. The Sooners are picked to win by 21 points. The disparity is so huge because the Mountaineers are without their phenom quarterback Will Grier. (If you haven’t seen the photos, stay away if you’re squeamish. His finger is facing the wrong direction!)

So, the Sooners will start the game with Kyler Murray, arguably the greatest quarterback in Texas high school football history. Maybe he plays three or four downs. Maybe he plays a few series. Perhaps he plays the whole half… or game. This gives Lincoln the perfect out – if the Sooners pull away early, he can save his quarterback for the rematch with TCU in the conference championship game. If it’s a tight game, Baker will be available as soon as needed.

This was a powerful statement by Lincoln. He understands politics but also will stick up for his guys, even when they’re wrong. Do you think his recruits just saw what happened? Here’s the emotional statement by Riley:

If the Sooners’ phenomenal 2017 run haven’t already proven the head coach’s worth, this moment is more solid evidence (not to mention his elite recruiting class he’ll sign in four weeks). Welcome to the big leagues Lincoln; you’ve passed a big test.