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Oklahoma Barring Joe Mixon from the Sooners Football Team During Police Assault Investigation

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The Oklahoma Sooners football team has announced the suspension of running back Joe Mixon, pending the results of the police investigation into an alleged assault last week.

According to Rivals.com, the Sooners announced the suspension the day before the team was scheduled to open their training camp. The team is scheduled to open their regular season against Louisiana Tech in one month.

Mixon met with police investigators Monday to discuss an alleged altercation that took place in a local restaurant early Friday morning, ESPN reported. Amelia Rae Molitor, a 20-year-old student at the University of Oklahoma (OU), accused Mixon of punching her in the face and breaking four bones.

"Joe Mixon is not reporting for team activities at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation," an OU spokesman said in a statement.

Molitor had previously told the Oklahoman that she was out with a group of friends, as was Mixon, who was celebrating his birthday. She said people at Mixon's table were harassing her and her friends before the running back hit her. The police report said Molitor was intoxicated, but she said with certainty it was Mixon who threw the punch.

Kevin Finlay, Mixon's attorney, has maintained that his client will be cooperating every step of the way and previously told ESPN Monday's meeting was scheduled and not an indication of guilt. Finlay told Rivals.com Wednesday that Mixon was not actually suspended.

"It's our understanding that he's not being suspended, that he's simply being held out from team activities, pending the conclusion of the investigation," Finlay said. "My understanding is that that's University of Oklahoma policy, and that he's being treated as would any student athlete."

Mixon was the Sooners' top recruit in the class of 2014 and the five-star talent was expected to compete for the starting job this season.

The Norman Police Department (NPD) said they were reviewing the surveillance footage and also released the 911 call from early Friday morning. The caller was not identified, nor did the person name the alleged assailant.

Mixon is still not charged with any crime and the NPD reportedly expects to file a report with the District Attorney's office late next week.

"I think they have to in order to do a thorough investigation," Finlay told Rivals.com, "and, as I said, we look forward to that."

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