Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon apologizes for 2014 assault

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) – Oklahoma’s Joe Mixon is apologizing for punching a woman two years ago, which led to the running back’s suspension for the 2014 season.

In a statement issued Tuesday to The Oklahoman, Mixon apologized to the woman he hit, Amelia Molitor, and to his teammates, coaches and Oklahoma fans. He says he “reacted poorly” and that it didn’t reflect his character or values.

Mixon was sentenced to a year of probation after he entered an Alford plea, in which he asserted his innocence but acknowledged there was likely enough evidence to convict him of misdemeanor assault. Molitor filed a separate lawsuit against Mixon, but a federal judge dismissed much of the suit Monday.

This season, Mixon has rushed for 1,084 yards in 10 games and averages 6.9 yards per carry.