Oklahoma State Upset: Why Cowboys Should Not Have Been Forced to Play Friday

On Friday night, the Oklahoma State Cowboys lost in stunning fashion against the Iowa State Cyclones. With all due respect to the Cyclones, Oklahoma State should have never played this game. Some things are bigger than football, and after suffering a significant tragedy on Thursday, the Oklahoma State program failed their students, fans and family by taking to the field on Friday.

Oklahoma State women's basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna were killed on Thursday night in a plane crash. Budke and Serna were on a recruiting trip when the plane crashed.

Budke is responsible for turning around the college basketball program and was loved by many. His influence will reflect in this program for years to come. Serna was known for her great work in recruiting and will be sorely missed.

This is the second plane crash that has rocked the college and the athletic program. In 2001, the men’s basketball team lost 10 members of the team in a horrifying plane crash. Eleven years later, the school once again is engulfed by sadness.

Oklahoma State president Burns Hargis sent out a heartfelt statement and rightfully canceled the women’s basketball weekend games. However, he should not have stopped there. Rescheduling the football game would have been perfectly acceptable in light of recent events.

Lately, college athletics is marred by investigations and scandal. Not enough attention is given to the good people who shape and mold the youth of our country. Taking time to mourn and reflect would allow for the school to deal with yet another tragedy.

Oklahoma State and Iowa State had a moment of silence before the game, but they should have never been there in the first place.

James Brown is a B/R Featured Columnist and can be followed on Twitter here. Feel free to contact James at [e-mail].