Baylor releases statement banning Oakman from future games

Baylor released a statement late Monday after it was discovered that former player Shawn Oakman was in the locker room during Friday's game against Rice.

Oakman, who was indicted on charges of sexual assault in July, visited with members of the team in the locker room, despite coach Jim Grobe claiming he had no idea who the former defensive end was.

"Baylor did not invite Shawn Oakman onto the field or into the locker room," the statement said. "He made his way there after the game but did not address the team. As indicated earlier today, Coach Grobe did not recognize that Oakman was in the locker-room area as coach gave his postgame address. Oakman spoke personally with a few former teammates and left the stadium. Oakman is not permitted in Baylor-owned facilities nor in the locker room at future away games."

Oakman was seen chatting with former teammates, including quarterback Seth Russell, who vouched for the 6-foot-8, 290-pounder.

"He's a great guy, just in a bad situation," Russell said to Ben Baby of the Dallas News. "We're not gonna hold anything against him. He was a part of the team and he's still a part of Baylor. We're going to love him as much as anybody else."

Former coach Art Briles, who was terminated in May following an independent study into how sexual assault cases were handled at the school, was in the crowd for the win over the Owls, as his son Kendal is still the offensive coordinator with the program.