OU Football: Jalen Saunders will play in Cotton Bowl despite arrest

November 17, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; Oklahoma Sooners receiver Jalen Saunders (18) runs after a pass reception against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium . Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Following the recent arrest of Jalen Saunders, fans have been waiting to hear if the Fresno State transfer would be available for the 2013 Cotton Bowl. With Oklahoma’s depth at wide receiver, it would not be the biggest blow, however, Saunders has been nothing short of a spark plug for a Sooner passing game that has experienced lulls throughout the year.

Friday night, ESPN’s Jake Trotter finally gave Sooner Nation the answer they had been waiting for, as well as information on DT Stacy McGee.

Bob Stoops announces that WR Jalen Saunders will play in the Cotton Bowl; DT Stacy McGee will not. Both have been arrested in last month.

— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) December 29, 2012

The news of McGee should not be a surprise to anyone. The defensive tackle was charged with a DUI a few days ago, and there was little doubt whether his career was over at Oklahoma.

However, the Saunders news is a relief. There was a bit of uncertainty, but with the time Stoops took to make a decision, it was obviously carefully discussed. And the outcome is a good one for Sooner fans.

Stoops has no problem suspending players for big games, but every now and then, Stoops gives second chances. Saunders should be fortunate to get the slap on the wrist and still be able to contribute less than a week away from Oklahoma’s showdown with the Texas A&M Aggies.