Why was OU WR Jalil Farooq arrested? All you need to know before the Bedlam showdown

The world of college football is abuzz following OU player Jalil Farooq's arrest a day before the much-anticipated Bedlam showdown against Oklahoma State.

Due to the Oklahoma WR's arrest, the anticipation for the annual Bedlam showdown - University of Oklahoma (OU) vs. Oklahoma State University - has reached its peak.

Why was the OU football player arrested?

Jalil Farooq's arrest came as a surprise to many, especially considering his crucial role as a wide receiver for the OU football team. The incident leading to his arrest took place on a Thursday night in Norman, Oklahoma.

The primary reason for Farooq's arrest was a traffic violation. Norman Police Department officers pulled him over after observing that his vehicle had an expired paper tag and that he was driving erratically.

These warrants were related to minor traffic offenses, including improper turns, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, and failure to appear in court for a previous ticket, which was for driving over a curb.

It's important to note that mugshots are typically not taken for traffic ticket warrants, as clarified by a spokesperson for the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office.

Jalil Farooq's college football career and his journey to the OU football team

Jalil Farooq's college football career has been marked by his contributions to the OU football team. He is known for his exceptional skills as a wide receiver and has been a frequent target for quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

In the 2023 season, Farooq has been a standout performer, amassing 26 receptions, two touchdowns, and a total of 449 receiving yards in the first eight games.

His impact extends beyond receiving, as he has also excelled in other facets of the game. Farooq has been a key player in the kickoff return game, leading the team with 291 yards on 13 kickoff returns. His average of 22.4 yards per return ranks sixth in the Big 12 Conference, showcasing his versatility on the field.

In the 2022 season, Farooq played in all 13 games, making 10 starts. He contributed significantly to the team's success, ranking fourth on the team with 466 receiving yards on 37 catches and third with five receiving touchdowns.

Farooq's journey to the University of Oklahoma was marked by his status as a highly-rated recruit. He was a consensus four-star recruit and a top-200 national prospect, garnering attention from prominent college football programs. Ultimately, he chose to join the Oklahoma Sooners over schools like Alabama, Clemson, and LSU.

As the Bedlam showdown looms, questions arise about the impact of Jalil Farooq's recent arrest on his availability for the game and the remainder of the season. The University of Oklahoma has acknowledged the situation but has not provided specific details regarding his status.