Joe Mixon’s decision to punch a woman in the face at a local restaurant near the Oklahoma campus three years ago will follow his career and life forever. But the NFL prospect and former Oklahoma running back closed part of that chapter of his life Friday by reaching a civil settlement with the victim for her accusation of intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The woman, Amelia Molitor, had originally sued Mixon for negligence and will and wanton misconduct as well. However, an Oklahoma judge dismissed those two accusations. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Since the graphic video was released in December, Mixon has apologized for the incident, and he also made one of the understatements of the year by calling it “a bad decision.”
In a joint statement released Friday, Mixon said he apologized again privately to Molitor:
“I’m thankful Mia and I were able to talk privately,” Mixon said. “I was able to apologize to her one-to-one. The way I reacted that night, that’s not me. That’s not the way I was raised. I think she understands that. Talking together helps move us past what happened. I know I have to keep working to be a better person, and this is another step in that direction. I love working with kids, and I’m looking for more chances to do that kind of work. I want to lead a life that inspires them, and I hope I can lead by example from today forward.”
The full statement:
Joint statement from Joe Mixon/Mia Molitor. The two reached a settlement Friday on Molitor’s civil suit. pic.twitter.com/eD0SO3TziD
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) April 21, 2017
Mixon’s past has made ripples throughout the NFL Draft process. The draft combine denied him, and that decision earned some criticism. Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he would not consider drafting Mixon. Some have wondered if anyone will draft him.
Now that the legal portion of the incident has ended, we’ll see if execs change their approach to him at all.
There’s no question about his athletic talent. Mixon was a key piece for the Sooners last year as they won their second straight Big 12 title. He rushed for 1,274 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Had Mixon not punched Molitor in the face three years ago, he might be projected as a first round pick. Most mock drafts currently see him as a second rounder.
