The first thing we learned of Joe Mixon‘s college football career was that he punched a woman. While more than two years have passed since then -- Mixon sat out a year of football, was cleared of any charges and put the matter behind him professionally and legally, all while the victim, Amelia Molitor, came forward and is now pursuing a civil lawsuit.
Through all those events, Mixon has said as little as possible on the incident and has not addressed Molitor directly. Until now.
In a letter provided to The Oklahoman, Mixon apologized to Molitor for the punch he landed near the Oklahoma campus two years ago.
It reads:“For the last two years, my lawyers have advised me against speaking publicly about an incident that occurred very shortly after I arrived in Norman. Today, I want to say what everyone deserves to hear from me about this matter: I am sorry.”
“I was not drinking; I have never had a drink in my life. At the end of the night, a group of apparently drunk people started harassing us. Some of my teammates were wise enough to leave. I did not, and I am sorry.”
“I apologize to Amelia Molitor and the friends who were with her that night. I apologize to my teammates, coaches, the University of Oklahoma, and its fans. I apologize to my family and friends. I realize I let a lot of people down. I apologize to all those I disappointed or hurt.”
“I believe that, over time, I can prove that my past mistakes do not represent who I really am. I promise everyone willing to give me the chance that I will work harder and continue to better myself as an individual and community member. I want to be a role model on and off the field.”In the mean time, Mixon continues his role as a key player in Oklahoma’s bid for back-to-back Big 12 championships -- he’s rushed for a team-leading 1,084 yards and ranks second on the club with 480 receiving yards -- while two-thirds of Molitor’s civil case against Mixon was dropped by an Oklahoma City federal judge, according to the Oklahoman, leaving her only to pursue the case on grounds of intentional infliction of emotional distress.