Oklahoma's Mixon apologizes for punching female in 2014

Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon issued an apology Tuesday to the woman he punched at a campus restaurant two years ago.

"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," Mixon wrote in a statement, according to Graham Lee Brewer from The Oklahoman. "Today, I want to say what everyone deserves to hear from me about this matter. I am sorry."

Mixon, now a redshirt sophomore, was charged with the misdemeanor "acts resulting in gross injury," and was given one year of probation, 100 hours of community service, and cognitive behavior counseling. The Sooners punished Mixon by forcing him to sit out the entire 2014 season.

In his statement, Mixon contended that on the evening of the assault, among racial slurs being thrown at him, a woman shoved and slapped him. Mixon said he reacted by striking her, a reaction he regrets.

"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."

The woman, Amelia Molitor, suffered fractured bones in her face and an eight-hour surgery. Molitor said in July she was able to manage the physical aspect of the assault, but she was made to feel like it was her fault.

"I apologize to Amelia Molitor and the friends who were with her that night," Mixon wrote. "... I realize I let a lot of people down. I apologize to all those I disappointed or hurt."