Oklahoma State football: Mike Gundy says players will return to campus June 1

Turn up some Thin Lizzy because the boys will be back in town.

Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy announced on Twitter that personnel will be tested Friday for COVID-19 and players will return to campus Monday.

The Big 12, however, has mandated athletic teams cannot use team facilities for voluntary workouts until June 15. The timetable gives players two weeks to isolate in Stillwater before they will start workouts, according to Brett McMurphy of The Stadium. Conversely, Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley decided earlier this week the Sooners will wait to start workouts until July 1.

On April 7, Gundy said during a teleconference call with media that he planned for the Cowboys to return by May 1 despite the conference’s then activities ban until June. He noted he hoped tests for COVID-19 would be available to clear employees and players. He apologized four days later for his comments.

“I have been made aware that comments from my press conference have offended some,” Gundy’s statement read. “It was never my intention to offend anyone and I apologize. My first priority is and will always be the student-athletes and doing what is best for the program and the university.”

OSU is scheduled to host Oregon State on Thursday, Sept. 3 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater.