Video featuring Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon striking a woman in the face after an encounter from 2014 has been released to the public. Warning: It’s violent.
The video shows Mixon approach a group of people, including Amelia Molitor. He exchanged words with her when Molitor pushes him. Molitor slaps Mixon, who responds by striking her in the head, sending her to the ground. When she gets up, her face is covered in blood. According to The Oklahoman, Mixon’s attorneys pushed to release the tape.
“Mr. Mixon asked us to once again say he is sorry for the way he reacted that night. He has apologized publicly to Ms. Molitor, her friends, his family, teammates and the University,” his attorney, Blake Johnson, wrote in a letter. “He hopes that his voluntary release of these recordings will help put this matter to rest.”
The release of the tape was delayed, after the Oklahoma Associations of Broadcasters lobbied to make it public.
“The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled 8-1 on Dec. 6 that the city of Norman should release the video showing the punch to the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters.
The association had sued for access to that video under the Open Records Act. The city of Norman had not released the video yet because it was given 20 days to decide if it wanted a rehearing.”
Mixon said Molitor (and/or) the people she was with used racial slurs. Molitor claims Mixon punched her after trying to end a discussion with him.
Mixon agreed to a plea deal, where he received a one-year deferred sentence for the assault and was required to complete 100 hours of community service. He was suspended by the Sooners for his entire rookie season. Molitor sued Mixon for the assault, having two of her three claims dismissed last month – her remaining claim is for “intentional infliction of emotional distress.”
The video is damning. Molitor actively engages with Mixon, but his reaction is aggressive and unnecessary. It’s hard to watch. Mixon’s already dealt with the criminal repercussions of his actions. The only thing left to see is whether or not Molitor’s civil response yields any further monetary punishment.
“Mixon’s already dealt with the criminal repercussions of his actions”
“he received a one-year deferred sentence for the assault and was required to complete 100 hours of community service”
Oh, yeah. Justice well-served.
/s