Austin Box prayers

[oumartin]

Not sure what happened but unresponsive in hospital in okc area

[NormanPride]

****. Stay safe, buddy...

[sooner_jc]

Just heard this from a friend here at work. I guess no one knows exactly what's going on?

[Partial Qualifier]

He's dead, per someone I know. Oxycodone overdose :(

[gaylordfan1]

Man, this is very shocking. My prayers go out to him and his family.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

Oh wow

[oumartin]

He's dead, per someone I know. Oxycodone overdose :(

:(

terrible

[Mjcpr]

:(

[soonerprices]

Prayers for his family

[Midtowner]

Source?

[KantoSooner]

Holy ****.

What terrible news.

[CrimsonJim]

He's dead, per someone I know. Oxycodone overdose :(

Oh my gosh I hope that isn't true. :(

[OU Engineer]

damn... I hope this is just a rumor

[Boomer.....]

OMG!

:(

[soonerprices]

the Animal is talking about it

[Partial Qualifier]

damn... I hope this is just a rumor

Very sadly, it's not. Prayers to his family.

[Mad Dog Madsen]

Oh my God... :(

[NormanPride]

No no no no no no no no no..... he's much too young for this. :(

[sooner59]

Damn...

[gaylordfan1]

Nothing has been reported about him dying yet. That is just a rumor as of now. But it is confirmed he was rushed to a local hospital.

[badger]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/newsok-photos/1280104/medium.jpg
Hope his final thoughts were of loved ones, the Sooner fans that loved him and the ball that OSU's Brandon Weeden threw to him. :(

[OU Engineer]

He's dead, per someone I know. Oxycodone overdose :(

just heard he is dead... OD'ed from snorting it

[OutlandTrophy]

jeeze, prayers for his mom, dad and sisters.

[SoonerMarkVA]

Oh my Lord, is this true? Please let it be a terrible wrong rumor.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

guys, please don't start with the rumors yet..can we just stick with what we know for a while..

[OU Engineer]

where the hell is david when you need him

[SoonerMarkVA]

I find no news stories about it yet. Praying this is wrong, wrong, wrong.

[Soonermagik]

I'm hearing rumors that he has passed away. I hope this is not true!!

[Partial Qualifier]

I named the source's employer before editing my post (don't wanna get throat-punched) but I'm sure this is not a rumor. Sounds like Engineer might know as well

[SoonerPride]

Good news travels fast.
Bad news travels faster.

What a tragedy.

So sad.

[nativesooner]

I named the source's employer before editing my post (don't wanna get throat-punched) but I'm sure this is not a rumor. Sounds like Engineer might know as well

yep... don't get your friend fired! sad deal! too young!

[RacerX]

I'm hearing rumors that he has passed away. I hope this is not true!!

So am I...from someone I trust.

Enid paper

http://enidnews.com/localnews/x467553598/BREAKING-NEWS-Austin-Box-found-unresponsive-in-El-Reno

[soonerbub]

Oh no no no...we love you Austin...prayers sent

[Boomer.....]

This is so tragic. Prayers to his family and friends.

[jk the sooner fan]

kfor is reporting he has been confirmed dead by the ME

[soonerprices]

So am I...from someone I trust.

Enid paper

http://enidnews.com/localnews/x467553598/BREAKING-NEWS-Austin-Box-found-unresponsive-in-El-Reno

i hope this is the most of it. Pray hard.

[DCSooner]

OU's Austin Box has been confirmed dead by the ME's Office-KFOR

[jagvocate]

KFOR reports that he has passed away. Prayers for his soul and comfort to all family and friends.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

.

[Soonermagik]

I'm so sorry for his family!! What a tragic day... you will be missed, Austin!!!

[stoops the eternal pimp]

Man....this is difficult to digest

[SamIAm4OU]

Guys, as someone who knows the family. Please out of respect to them and the Sooner nation, let's not start rumors about causes. What we do know is this is very sad day to all who know the Box's. Let's have a little tact with all our posts until everything is released

[stoops the eternal pimp]

agreed...I don't think cause matters now..

[CatfishSooner]

sad

[CrimsonJim]

Damn, that's just so sad. Prayers for the Box family through this horrible time.

[salth2o]

Prayers sent.

Tragic day for all Sooners.

[bixby28]

Awful situation. He had his whole life ahead of him. He'll be missed by a lot of people.

[SOONER STEAKER]

Prayers sent. Big lose for the Sooner Nation!!

[gardere_owns_ou]

prayers to the box family and friends and your program. sad to see anyone lose their life to this stuff.

[yankee]

RIP young man. Way too young.

[BigTime1]

horrible

[mushu405]

Geez. Prayers to his family.

[sshusker]

Truly sorry to hear this...thoughts and prayers to his family and to the OU community.

[yermom]

damn.

:(

[Wishboned]

What a tragedy. Only 22.

Prayers to the family.

[OU Engineer]

just.... damnit.

[THE-JROD]

Oh wow, so sad to hear! Prayers for him and his family!

[CrimsonJim]

http://www.koco.com/sports/27954394/detail.html

[CRASH 02]

Damn.

[CowboyMRW]

Thoughts and prayers to the family. It's a shame when parents outlive their kids

[Dio]

Dammit. Prayers for the Box family.

[SoonerE]

Boy, that brings things into perspective doesn't it. :( Still just young men with so many things on their plates. :( God Bless his family.

[badger]

Tulsa World also confirmed (http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/OU/article.aspx?subjectid=92&articleid=20110519_92_0_Univer612349)

My favorite memory of him playing, as mentioned earlier, was the late game interception that he caught in Stillwater. He made sure (and the camera zoomed right in on him) that no part of the ball touched the ground. He just held it up and hovered his arm over the turf for five seconds, like that scene out of Mission Impossible of Tom Cruise trying not to touch the floor.

Thoughts and prayers with his family :(

[Bourbon St Sooner]

May God bless and comfort his family. RIP Austin.

[soonerchk]

Sickening. His poor family.

[Osama Bin Laden]

I'm in a total state of shock. This is horrible.

[SoonerMarkVA]

So terrible. Prayers for him and his family.

[bmjlr]

Horrible news! RIP!!!

[okiewaker]

Prayers to his family, friends, coaches, and fellow Sooner players!

[Mjcpr]

My boss was in Norman on Saturday for graduation and she said he was there to graduate with some other players. :(

[SoonerTank]

Had to come to SF to believe it. Damn.

[SoonerE]

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/43098450/ns/sports-college_football/

[tfoolry]

Absolutely awful. Easy to make assumptions by connecting the dots between the back injury and alcohol related arrests but all I can say is condolences to his family & hope something positive will come out of it in the end.

[delhalew]

:(

[Mad Dog Madsen]

Tulsa World also confirmed (http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/OU/article.aspx?subjectid=92&articleid=20110519_92_0_Univer612349)

My favorite memory of him playing, as mentioned earlier, was the late game interception that he caught in Stillwater. He made sure (and the camera zoomed right in on him) that no part of the ball touched the ground. He just held it up and hovered his arm over the turf for five seconds, like that scene out of Mission Impossible of Tom Cruise trying not to touch the floor.

Thoughts and prayers with his family :(

I was fortunate enough to get to watch Austin play Quarterback at Enid High School. He was a great athlete... He will be truly missed. Rest In Peace Austin Box. :(

[beegee]

Unbelievably sad. Prayers go out to his family and friends. :(

[SouthCarolinaSooner]

Just wasn't what I was expecting when I saw "new text message- ESPN" on my phone Absolutely stunned.

[DarrellZero]

I am just sick.

Prayers for everyone involved.

[boomersooner28]

Man o man. sad stuff. :(

[SteelClip49]

This is very sad indeed. :( He was such a huge factor in the win over the Pokes last season. He will be missed dearly. No words really right now other than....

Oklahoma is Preseason #1 most likely and has a very very good shot at the national championship. I am pretty sure the players will be more inspired than ever to win this, especially for their fallen Sooner.

RIP Austin Box and Boomer Sooner.

[Fraggle145]

:(

[I Am Right]

Prayers for his Mom and Dad, Suffering you will not believe!

[cherokeebrewer]

sadness...

[stoopified]

Im just sick over this

[Ruf/Nek7]

This is terrible news. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Box family and to Sooner Nation, who all mourn this loss.

May your soul R.I.P forever#12

[SoonerMom2]

Prayers for his family, friends, and the members of the OU football team and coaches.

[ouleaf]

Sad, sad news.....first TD of the season is definitely going to be for him.....RIP

[SouthCarolinaSooner]

http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Austin+Box+12+Championship+Oklahoma+v+Nebraska+QD6 c9aIp_w6l.jpg

[recemp]

Man,man,man - what terrible news. Condolences to the family -immediate and those of us who fill the stadium each week.

[SoonerLVZ]

My thoughts are with the Box family and his teammates. Rest in Peace Austin. You were far to young and went far too soon.

[Sooner74]

Very Sad News. Prayers will be sent for his family during this difficult time. Things like this really puts life into perspective. He was a 22 years old, had a string of bad luck with injuries, but always perservered through them. He, while leading a relatively short life, gives us something to remember and enjoy as Sooners. A lesson can be learned to cherish what you have and live every day to its' fullest.

Here is to Austin Box, A Sooner Forever!

[EatLeadCommie]

Terrible news. Thoughts and prayers.

[boomersooner28]

Championship #8 for #12.

[oudavid1]

From the moment I found out, until now, I have felt empty.

This young man was 22.
His family, his friends, his team, all are being flooded with the worst news possible.

And for those wondering, I found out after most of you did. I wasn't near my phone and and was informed by my gf.
Worst day in my Sooner Football life.

[CarolinaSoonerFan]

This is very sad indeed. :( He was such a huge factor in the win over the Pokes last season. He will be missed dearly. No words really right now other than....

Oklahoma is Preseason #1 most likely and has a very very good shot at the national championship. I am pretty sure the players will be more inspired than ever to win this, especially for their fallen Sooner.

RIP Austin Box and Boomer Sooner.



This is what I was thinking.....these guys will play for his memory this year and I can imagine that they will also have a patch with his number on their jerseys.

[ultimatesooner1]

RIP AB

prayers to your friends and family

dude had some tough luck with injuries but never failed to provide excitement whenever he was able to make it on the field

[Osama Bin Laden]

I hope a #12 patch is worn by the team for at least the first game

[colleyvillesooner]

So sad...

[Oldnslo]

So sad for his family.

[Whet]

:(

[badger]

Landry better have the season of his life next year. He's wearing #12 for two guys now.

[Frisco]

I hope his family and friends find some comfort in knowing how many of us are thinking about and praying for them.

[JLEW1818]

:( :( :(

my buddies dad died today also.

what a bad day.

God help their families

[SCOUT]

At a loss for words. So sad.

[CarolinaSoonerFan]

I hope a #12 patch is worn by the team for at least the first game

Wouldn't a Box with his number in it be better?

[soonermajik]

Im in shock........

[85sooners]

RIP Austin

[Sooner_Tuf]

Horrible. Thoughts and prayers for the Box family.

[JLEW1818]

http://i54.tinypic.com/2ldvdds.jpg

[Boomer.....]

I hope a #12 patch is worn by the team for at least the first game

Probably the whole season. Or at least a helmet sticker.

[PhiDeltBeers]

I haven't been over here in several weeks. I was informed via facebook. I too send my prayers to the family, friends and team mates of Austin. RIP young man.

[No1Better]

Just heard about this, I'm at a loss for words.

[Rock Hard Corn Frog]

I hope his family and friends find some comfort in knowing how many of us are thinking about and praying for them.

I hope so too.

[badger]

Wouldn't a Box with his number in it be better?

New Sooner kids game - pin the Hook em box on Austin!
http://i53.tinypic.com/35ddfrt.png

I suck at the game :mad:

We love you, Austin! Tell Wayman we say 'hi!' in heaven! :)

[OUrules]

Total sadness...prayers to the family.

[usaosooner]

RIP Austin

[recemp]

From the moment I found out, until now, I have felt empty.

Worst day in my Sooner Football life.

I'm right there with you brother

[SCSoonerfan]

Damn too young for this stuff. Prayers to his family, friends, teammates and to Sooner Nation.

[looch]

Just got off the phone with my mom. Austin grew up down the street from us in Enid. The town was pretty proud of him. I think this is hard for my mom because my brother and I got into the same kind of trouble and ran around in similar circles and what's happened here could have happened to any of us. So far there hasn't been anyone running their mouth or speculating anything or any invasion of privacy. I obviously don't post here very often but wanted to say thanks for everyone remaining somewhat cool about this.

[spatton713]

wow...stunned....rip Austin sooner nation will miss you

[nativesooner]

http://blog.newsok.com/berrytramel/files/2010/12/OU-VS-NEBRASKA-BIG-12-CHAMPIONSHIP-147x300.jpg

Travis Lewis and Tom Wort have both said that he helped them get better. He will be missed dearly. :(

[Jack Schmidt]

Thoughts and prayers to this young mans family and friends

RIP Austin

With a heavy heart, Boomer Sooner!

[Hot Rod]

Prayers for his family.

Met him each year at the Meet The Sooners Day. Very nice young man. We gave him a hard time when he was sporting the mullet last year, but he was always smiles.

Never gonna replace someone with as much heart like he had.

I say patches or stickers of #12 for this year on the uniforms as well.

[soonerboomer93]

Sad news, condolences to his family

[AlboSooner]

Oh my Lord. What terrible news. Prayers to his family :(

[Lott's Bandana]

Jake Trotter on ESPN:

"Saw him at a wedding two weeks ago, he just graduated (from OU) last weekend."

"Bob Stoops is in Europe right now...most players not on campus....Twitter comments from teammates flooding in."

Sad day.

[SOONERKAT]

Just got home and heard the news. Gotta be hard on his teammates and the staff as everyone seems to be scattered all over.

With complete shock and a heavy heart, thoughts and prayers to his family and the Sooner Nation.

Rest in Peace, Austin.

[SoonerNate]

Prayers go out to all of Austin's family, friends, and teammates. My God bring you peace through your sorrow.

We will miss you #12.

[Sooner24]

Met his folks on the Lake Union locks cruise in Seattle. They are really nice people. Prayers to his family.

[golfingsooner]

I admire him for getting a starting role after back and knee surgeries... he sacrificed his body to get back on the field. RIP Austin, you will be missed.

[rock on sooner]

Typing this through tears, may God bless and keep him and watch over his
family.

Quite sure the the linebacker position on God's team has its starter.

[nativesooner]

:(

[stoops the eternal pimp]

I hate for Coach Stoops that he is in Europe right now when I know he wishes he could be here.

[AlboSooner]

so so young :(

[JLEW1818]

I hate for Coach Stoops that he is in Europe right now when I know he wishes he could be here.

is he on vacation? i wonder when he will be back.

[SoonerofAlabama]

Way too soon. Just as he was getting his shot. Coming back from injury last season an all. Hope it isn't drug related, but either way, Too soon.:(

[virginiasooner]

Husband just called and told me. Makes me want to cry.

[badger]

Some of the twitter posts are in this article here (http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/OU/article.aspx?subjectid=92&articleid=20110519_92_0_Univer612349).

The 911 call is very sad. :(

[Boomer.....]

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/3636/austinbox.jpg

[stoops the eternal pimp]

is he on vacation? i wonder when he will be back.

he is with his wife in Europe..don't know any other details

[soonersweetie]

Austin, may you RIP. You will be greatly missed and remembered as a great person and a great Sooner.

My prayers are with your family, friends and teammates.

Boomer Sooner

[SoonerofAlabama]

Thanks for the read badger. Box will be missed by all

[texaspokieokie]

have no words.

[tcrb]

A sad day indeed. He had become my favorite player on defense by the end of last season. He was showing so much promise and had such a bright future. My prayers to his family, friends, and teammates.

[badger]

Listen to the 911 call here. (http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/OU/article.aspx?subjectid=92&articleid=20110519_92_0_Univer612349) (link at the top)


In a 911 call, J.T. Cobble says he needs an ambulance.

Asked what was happening, Cobble said: "There's a guy who stayed with me last night and he's not responding to me. He takes pain pills and he's not responding to me."

Asked whether he's breathing, he said, "I don't think so."

Cobble said he couldn't find a pulse and the dispatcher instructed him to give CPR, which he did until police arrived.

[EatLeadCommie]

good grief, 911 call is out already?

[badger]

good grief, 911 call is out already?

Probably everyone in the country requested all info they could on this because of how many people care about Austin Box.

[JLEW1818]

who is Cobble?

[Boomer.....]

Cobble is the son of Tom Cobble, who was Box's high school football coach at Enid and now is the head coach at El Reno.

.

[aero]

So, so sad. Prayers to his family. Very sad day indeed.

[AlboSooner]

I hate the rumors that are being spread out by sooner fans. Can't have enough respect to allow for the facts to come out? geez

[Osama Bin Laden]

Landry better have the season of his life next year. He's wearing #12 for two guys now.

Had not even thought about it, and you're absolutely right. He's now carrying, or wearing, and extra burden (not that it's necessarily a bad thing).


Wouldn't a Box with his number in it be better?

Indeed, sir, indeed. Or another quick thought. Everyone wear 12 as the number on the helmet. Not just saying that because I've always kinda disliked them, but because it would actually be an awesome tribute that's different from the traditional black patch.

[achiro]

who is Cobble?

An assistant coach of El Reno's HS team. His dad, Tom, is the head coach.
They both use to be at Enid.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

Probably everyone in the country requested all info they could on this because of how many people care about Austin Box.

or people are just nosy and can't let friends/family catch their breath for a minute with all this crap getting put out there.

[SoonerofAlabama]

Believe Landry isn't worried about next season at this current point in time.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

I hate the rumors that are being spread out by sooner fans. Can't have enough respect to allow for the facts to come out? geez

and even if its truth, let it rest for a while...good god, it doesn't matter in this moment..agreed albo

[SoonerofAlabama]

or people are just nosy and can't let friends/family catch their breath for a minute with all this crap getting put out there.

Yeah, 911 call isn't important right now.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

all kinds of stuff getting posted at different places..hopefully we can mourn this with some dignity instead of trying to be the first one to post something

[SoonerofAlabama]

May not be important to some, just don't know, but I think it is great that at least he got his diploma before he passed away. I know that doesn't help, but at least he got that.

[mgsooner]

Sorry if already posted

OU Head Football Coach Bob Stoops:
"We're all shocked and heartbroken. Austin was a great young man, a great young man to coach and a great teammate. He played an integral part in our success the last three years and was looking forward to a big senior year. As heart-wrenching as this is for us, we know it's even more difficult for his family. More than anything, our thoughts and prayers are with them."

[stoops the eternal pimp]

Sorry if already posted

OU Head Football Coach Bob Stoops:
"We're all shocked and heartbroken. Austin was a great young man, a great young man to coach and a great teammate. He played an integral part in our success the last three years and was looking forward to a big senior year. As heart-wrenching as this is for us, we know it's even more difficult for his family. More than anything, our thoughts and prayers are with them."

thanks...

[SoonerofAlabama]

Have the Sooners in Africa heard yet? Haven't heard anything from Broyles or Landry or Hand.

[OK2U]

they are in Haiti

[JLEW1818]

i hope they can make it to the funeral

[tfoolry]

http://www.facebook.com/people/Jt-Cobble/1323756746 (http://www.facebook.com/people/Jt-Cobble/1323756746)
who is Cobble?

[sperry]

I saw him Saturday night at the Speakeasy. He was just having a good time with friends and enjoying life. This is just horrible news.

[SoonerofAlabama]

they are in Haiti

Sorry... thinking of Roy Williams' group. Have they said anything yet though?

[mgsooner]

link to statements from Boren, Castiglione, Stoops

http://www.soonersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051911aaa.html#

[JLEW1818]

Roy Williams
I just heard the news about one of our OU Linebackers Austin Box so Sad 4 a young man 2 go so Soon i don't question you God but im sad 2 see him go so soon. i know he's with u now, and he's in a better place. We are just going to miss him so much down here.

[salth2o]

Found this...

https://www.facebook.com/people/Jt-Cobble/1323756746#!/pages/RIP-Austin-Box/222013941144972

[TXBOOMER]

People say some stupid ****! That is all!

[HuskerfaninOkieland]

Prayers for Austin's family and teammates from this Husker fan.

[SoonerofAlabama]

And Landry?

[Whet]

From the Spring game:
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/222027_215256091833753_100000480920838_860856_5991 154_n.jpg

[OULenexaman]

wow..shocking....gives some extra meaning for the upcoming season though.

[oudanny]

Prayers for his family.

[HoustonsOwn]

Sorry... thinking of Roy Williams' group. Have they said anything yet though?


My buddy and old OU roommate is one of the organizers for Pros for Africa and he's commented on it on his FB page. If he knows, Roy and them know.. but haven't seen any comments (*edit.. just read up..^ and saw Roy's comments)


Unbelievably sad

[picasso]

Stuff like this is even tougher to take when you have kids yourself.

I'll never forget watching him against Booker T his senior year in the playoffs.

Dude was the biggest and fastest stud out there. He even hurdled a d-back.

[Romulus]

do know Box was in a tremendous amount of pain and some in the program seriously doubted if he was going to be able to play next year

[stoops the eternal pimp]

Roy has already commented

[westbrooke]

Wow, this is stunning and terrible. I'm sorry, Austin. You'll be missed.

[Sooner95]

Freakin awful stuff. Prayers to his family.

[picasso]

do know Box was in a tremendous amount of pain and some in the program seriously doubted if he was going to be able to play next year

From his back? Really sad.

[soonerhillbilly]

Praying for your Family Box!

[sendbaht]

O just woke up...It's morning here......and read the news OMG!

[Peach Fuzz]

Played against the young man a handful of times growing up... he was a man-teen compared to most... RIP box. had fun seeing you play

[StoopTroup]

I'm trying to maintain....

The more this hits me....The more upset I get....

Unbelievable.

God Bless The Box Family and Friends

RIP Austin.

[yermom]

From his back? Really sad.

in one of the links he had thought about quitting after 2010, but Venables convinced him to play this year

[Kevin4Bama]

Prayers from the state of Alabama. It's tough to lose someone so young. Our team just buried one of our own last week.

[reflector]

This is very sad news.

[MyT Oklahoma]

I just heard about this a few minutes ago. First, Rest In Peace Austin Box. Second, my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. May God be with them all in the days to come.

[GKeeper316]

after a knee surgery 2 years ago and back problems all last year, is it really that much of a shock that he got hooked on pain meds?

i will not blame him for the same weakness i would put on someone who just pisses his life away poppin pills.

he was an outstanding player and will be sorely missed on the field this fall, and by his friends and family for the rest of thier lives.

[pappy]

Sad day. thoughts and prayers go out to the Box family. This is more proof that we aren't guaranteed tomorrow so cherish every breath you have and live life to the fullest.

The team should dedicate this next season to Austin and go win #8 in his honor.

[SoonerPride93]

This brought tears to my eyes. Prayers go out to his family and friends.

Lets win it for Austin boys!

[kingswitz]

Rest in peace Austin. Prayers to your family and friends.

[SoonerNomad]

Thoughts and prayers to the family. My son called me from home just after lunch and told me the news. As a parent of five teenage boys I cannot even imagine what his parents are going through. I hope he is in peace.

[tanjou]

Well ****. This is terrible news. I'll think about him every time I'm drinking in Norman. Here's to you Austin :(

[NorCaligator]

A sad day. My condolences to his family.

[BigBoomerInBigD]

I'm just floored. Rest in Peace, Austin.

[SoonerBread]

****.

:eek:

:confused:

:(

:mad:

:(

[FaninAma]

The saddest thing to me is that this young man
felt he could not go to any one to get help for his
problem. I can only assume he was more afraid of
disappointing those he loved and respected than he
was of the dangers of his addiction if those reports
turn out to be true.

I know this will haunt his family forever.

Just incredibly sad all the way around.

[cccasooner2]

Rest in peace Austin. Very sad.

[Collier11]

This hurts the ol heart, damn...I feel bad for the guy cus I know how much pain he mustve been in...God Bless

[Illuminati]

Still hard to believe...R.I.P.

[Texas_Longhorn]

Rest in Peace, Austin. So young. Puts out great rivalry in perspective.

[o_shaw]

So sorry for your loss.

Prayers for Austin, his family and the Sooner nation from a Longhorn.

[BusterRhymes86]

Rest in Peace, Austin. So young. Puts out great rivalry in perspective.

Well said...

[Keller Sooner]

Such tragic news! Another young life gone way too soon. May God comfort his family and loved ones.

[ATX Sooner]

Peace and light, Austin, peace and light.

[ArkanSooner]

Sending thoughts and condolences from the Czech Republic. Such terrible news.

[Seamus]

I'm stunned, and angry, and saddened, by this.

I just don't have the words ...

[NOVSooner]

Heartbreaking

[soonercastor]

Damn. Prayers to his family, as coach Stoops well put it as big of a loss this is for the Sooner Nation it's heartbreaking for his family :(.
And for those already running their mouths, have some dignity and show some respect for the grieving family.

[OklaPony]

Sad news indeed. Here's hoping his family and loved ones can find comfort.

[Peach Fuzz]

The saddest thing to me is that this young man
felt he could not go to any one to get help for his
problem. I can only assume he was more afraid of
disappointing those he loved and respected than he
was of the dangers of his addiction if those reports
turn out to be true.

I know this will haunt his family forever.

Just incredibly sad all the way around.

C'mon, you don't really need to go there right now. Who's to say he didn't have a high tolerance and took more, I had a script of OC once, waay too powerful of a drug. I think it's an opiate, so it would be very easy to overdose..

[Okie35]

I'm mad and sad about this, he was so young. RIP. :(

[Sooner Cal]

My prayers for his family. I can't imagine their grief. We will remember him as a fighter, struggling through injuries and never quitting. Maybe he was too dedicated.

[Soonerchaz]

A great Oklahoma boy was taken too young. Prayers for the Box family.

[Sooners78]

Brother texted me 2 hours ago with the news. I've been in shock since. He was my favorite player on this team, and I'm not just saying that. RIP Austin.

[JLEW1818]

still seems fake

:(

it happened to fast

[caseysooner]

The doctor's who prescribe these pain pills need to start being held accountable for these events. Pain meds are a slippery slope and I feel should only be used as a last resort. Thoughts go out to Austin's family.

[Sabanball]

Very sad to hear anytime someone so young loses their life. Our sympathies are with the Box family and the Sooner nation. This is eerily similar to what just happened seven days ago here in Alabama with one of our players--As many of you know, we lost LT Aaron Douglas exactly one week ago today to a suspected OD while he was at a party in a condo in Florida. When his funeral was held earlier this week, over 30 of our players paid their own way to Knoxville, TN, to attend and pay their last respects--I'm sure your guys will do the same thing, if not moreso, for Austin.

Again, very sad.

[SoonerofAlabama]

A few lives taken too soon.

[OUNASH]

My thoughts and prayers go out tothe Box family. There is nothing in the world that comes close to losing one of your children. I know from experience.

[VA Sooner]

Rest in peace, Austin. The Sooner Nation is saddened and will miss you. Your family is in our hearts and our prayers.

[Ruf/Nek7]

Sept. 3 is going to be a terribly emotional day. I can only imagine the silence that will fall over 84,000 patrons and players before the game.

R.I.P #12

[FaninAma]

C'mon, you don't really need to go there right now. Who's to say he didn't have a high tolerance and took more, I had a script of OC once, waay too powerful of a drug. I think it's an opiate, so it would be very easy to overdose..

You are right. I shouldn't assume.

[northspeter]

prayers to family and friends... R.I.P. Austin...

[wahoosooner]

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

[OUSophie]

Austin, you will always be a great Sooner. Rest in Peace and much prayers to your family and friends.

[SoonerinSouthlake]

great sadness for the parents of Austin Box. As a father, I can imagine no greater loss than that of a son.

I will, without a doubt, spend time praying for this boy's mom and dad.

[the-rover]

Rest in peace Austin. Prayers for the Box family.

[canes4ever]

Tragic, condolences to family, players and fans. RIP.

[OU-HSV]

Awful...just terrible. RIP Austin Box. And thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Austin.

[Always_Sooner]

Box did not intend to harm himself. Early reports indicate he overdosed on pain medicine from his back surgery. At this point it could be different aspects of a root cause. The doctor may not have lowered the dosage appropriately. Hopefully he was not addicted like Brett Farve was to pain medication in the 90's.

[bixby28]

The doctor's who prescribe these pain pills need to start being held accountable for these events. Pain meds are a slippery slope and I feel should only be used as a last resort. Thoughts go out to Austin's family.

Austin's pain was probably so bad that narcotic painkillers were his only relief. My wife's struggle with ulcerative colitis was so severe that she almost died twice from blood loss, and she subsequently ended up on narcotic painkillers until her colectomy surgery. Austin was probably in this type of desperation-pain-control fight. Back problems can shut you down completely.

Narcotics will naturally will make you an addict if you're on them long enough. My wife had an entire body jerk/twitch after she stopped percocet, which lasted 5 weeks. That's the consequences of needing painkillers. Without them, Austin may not have been able to walk or get out of bed. I'm not someone who knows Austin but I do understand major, chronic pain. I can't imagine the hurt and grief his family is dealing with.

[CrimsonRez]

man...just terrible, that man deserves everyone in Sooner Nation to be at his funeral. RIP #12 you will be missed greatly!

[BudSooner]

I just hear this awhile ago, and am shocked...so sad to see this happen.

Prayers for his family. RIP Austin.

[Whet]

I don't know if this is the actual 911 call, but it was recently uploaded on YouTube:
l1KVbzDzvx0

RIP Austin Box.

[OU_Sooners75]

The doctor's who prescribe these pain pills need to start being held accountable for these events. Pain meds are a slippery slope and I feel should only be used as a last resort. Thoughts go out to Austin's family.


So responsibility is not to be on the patient?

I am still in shock that we lost a great player and what seemed like a good kid. But lets stop the finger pointing. It is ashame as to what happened, but saying the doctors, or pharmacist, or even friend that gave him the pain killer should not be blamed.

I pray for his family and friends and the Sooner nation in this tough time.

[Mazeppa]

A dark and sad day, rip Austin

[rekamrettuB]

Read that he just graduated too. So sorry to hear this and prayers go out to his friends and family. As w/ anyone that age, much too young.

[SoonerofAlabama]

So responsibility is not to be on the patient?

I am still in shock that we lost a great player and what seemed like a good kid. But lets stop the finger pointing. It is ashame as to what happened, but saying the doctors, or pharmacist, or even friend that gave him the pain killer should not be blamed.

I pray for his family and friends and the Sooner nation in this tough time.

Lets not argue about this right now. Not to be rude, but a young man, not just a Sooner, died today.

[JiminyChristmas]

Way too young. Very sad. Prayers and condolences to his family and friends.

As for Landry and the #12, I think it would be pretty cool for him to honor Austin by changing numbers this year. Maybe bring Austin's #12 jersey and drape it over the bench each game.

[SoonerofAlabama]

I don't think Landry would even give it a second thought if he did change numbers. He is a good guy, as all the Sooners are.

Austin will be missed. I am disappointed that this happened as Box was a good kid.

[G8trGr8t]

Stopped by to offer my condolences. Nobody should die that young. Prayers to his family and those close to him.

[sooner ngintunr]

Way too young. I am very sad today. Thoughts and best wishes to his friends and family.

[ouwino]

what a horrible thing it must be to lose a child. being a parent of two grown men, i can not imagine what that must be like. may Austin's Parents take comfort in knowing that the entire Sooner Nation is praying for them, and mourning the loss of their child. RIP No. 12

[SoonerofAlabama]

Just wasn't what I was expecting when I saw "new text message- ESPN" on my phone Absolutely stunned.

I also received that text message. All I could say was no, no, no ,no, no...

[goingoneight]

Venables statement was awful to watch. He held it together, but he's definitely hurt by this. That was his guy, though. If anyone in the Venables defense has a close-knit relationship with BV, it's usually the MLB. The "quarterback of the defense."