{
  "id": 1835806,
  "title": "Big 12 Coach Shot an Armadillo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/big-12-coach-shot-an-armadillo",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-19T00:31:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/big-12-coach-shot-an-armadillo-12334837"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Oklahoma State's inaugural coach Eric Morris woke his new neighbors earlier this week while attempting to dispose of a bothersome armadillo wreaking havoc on his landscaping. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Morris admitted that he is struggling to get a good night's rest as he prepares the Cowboys ahead of their training camp. The armadillo in question was causing damage to Morris' flower beds, so he decided to take action after staying up late on a recent morning.\n\n\"I've had a couple of armadillo issues, picking up my lawn,\" Morris said via video from The Oklahoman's Joe Mussatto. \"It was a great opportunity to go outside this past weekend, and luckily I found him.\"\n\nThis marks Morris' first encounter with an armadillo, which he discovered had been tearing up his yard. He contacted his neighbors and apologized for the gunshot, emphasizing that it was legal since he was in the country. With a new season approaching, Morris acknowledges that he faces significant challenges in leading Oklahoma State, having inherited a program that finished the 2025 season with a 1-11 record and 0-9 in the Big 12. The Cowboys managed a single win in their season opener against UT Martin, a 27-7 victory.\n\nMorris, who had a successful run at North Texas, securing a 22-16 record over three seasons, including an impressive 11-2 finish in 2025. He brought in key transfers from UNT, including star quarterback Drew Mestemaker. The next match for the Cowboys is set to take place in Tulsa against Tulsa on September 5. For further updates on NCAA-related news, readers are directed to Newsweek Sports.",
  "summary": "A new Big 12 coach woke up his neighbors when he shot an armadillo that was ravaging his flower beds early in the morning.",
  "key_points": [
    "Oklahoma State's Eric Morris shot an armadillo in his yard.",
    "Morris apologized to neighbors for the gunshot, explaining it was legal.",
    "Cowboys face challenges after 2025 season with 1-11 record."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Eric Morris's armadillo dispatch shows he's taking proactive, hands-on measures to settle into his new role as Oklahoma State coach, tackling small but symbolic challenges as he faces a tough season ahead.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}