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Oklahoma State AD: 'No signs or indication of racism' in football program

Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Oklahoma State's athletic director says a review of the school's football program did not reveal any evidence of racism, though the school wants head coach Mike Gundy to put more effort into "building stronger relationships" with his players.

"We have spent the past couple of weeks reviewing our program and talking with current and former players," Mike Holder said in a statement Thursday. "Our internal review found that coach Gundy needs to invest more time in building stronger relationships with his student-athletes. However, our review has uncovered no signs or indication of racism."

Gundy recently drew the ire of several Oklahoma State players after he was photographed wearing a One America News (OAN) Network T-shirt. OAN is a controversial far-right news channel in the U.S. and has described the Black Lives Matter movement as a "farce."

Star running back Chuba Hubbard threatened to cut ties with the Cowboys after seeing the picture of Gundy. Gundy later appeared in a joint video message with Hubbard and vowed to make "some changes."

"After meeting with coach Gundy, I am confident that he listened to his student-athletes," Holder's statement continued. "I believe he is genuine in his commitment to strengthening relationships with his players. I believe this to be a win for everyone. I'm looking forward to seeing the impact this will have on our team."

Former Colorado linebacker Alfred Williams recently said Gundy used a racial slur multiple times during a game in 1989.

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