Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford decided to not meet with the media Wednesday night and has not decided on a course of action for his injured right shoulder.
"Sam wants more time to gather information," OU coach Bob Stoops said in a released statement announcing the cancellation of Bradford's press conference.
Bradford re-injured his throwing shoulder in the second series of last Saturday's game against Texas when he was sacked and fell on his right side.
Stoops said Monday that Bradford hadn't suffered any new damage to his right shoulder, but had aggravated the original injury he suffered in the season opener against BYU. Bradford missed three games while recovering from what was described as a Grade 2 or 3 shoulder separation.
He returned for OU's Oct. 10 game against Baylor and threw for 389 yards, completing 27 of 49 passes. Last season's Heisman Trophy winner appeared to be fully recovered from the injury. But the Texas game marked the first time he faced any blunt force on his right shoulder.
Speculation has run rampant in every form of media over what Bradford will decide about his future. He admitted in the days leading up to the Baylor game that his shoulder might still require surgery, but he gave no indication on what kind of procedure or recovery time that would entail.
Bradford said he was willing to put off a surgical procedure until the end of the season if it would allow him to play again this season.
He has only talked publicly once since suffering the second injury. After the Texas game, Bradford said he would seek medical advice from the same doctors who treated and advised him throughout the process of the original injury. Then he would make a decision after consulting with his family.
"I really don't know the outlook from here," Bradford said. "I have to talk to the doctors and make a decision and find out exactly what's wrong with it."
The status of Bradford's right shoulder could be the difference between millions of dollars for the Sooner quarterback. Bradford elected to return for another year in college despite being projected as a first-round pick in last year's NFL draft.
The health of his right shoulder would have an obvious affect on his draft stock if he elected to turn pro following this season. Bradford also has the option of returning to OU for his senior year.
Only Bradford can choose his course. Stoops said Tuesday he will not try persuading his star quarterback to stay or go.
"He understands the process. It's not like Sam doesn't have guidance or understand the whole thing," Stoops said. "In the end, he'll have an idea and plan, along with his family, on what he feels is the right path to take. He'll be able to answer that when he has an idea about what he wants to do."
John Shinn 366-3536 jshinn@normantranscript.com
OU Sports
Bradford cancels press conference
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