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Why RB Joe Mixon’s Past Should Not Scare the San Francisco 49ers from Drafting Him

By Akash Anavarathan

Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) runs for a touchdown past Baylor Bears defensive end Greg Roberts (52) during the second half at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) runs for a touchdown past Baylor Bears defensive end Greg Roberts (52) during the second half at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) celebrates his touchdown against the Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium. Houston Cougars won 33 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) celebrates his touchdown against the Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium. Houston Cougars won 33 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Addressing the Domestic Violence Concerns

Back in 2014, Joe Mixon punched a fellow female student at Oklahoma. She had four broken bones in her face and completely lost feeling for months. As a result, Mixon was suspended for the entire football season.

He pleaded to the misdemeanor charges, and was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and also attend counseling.

More from SF 49ers Draft

By no means is domestic violence or hitting a woman okay. I do not condone what he did and think it’s absolutely despicable and gross. But, the United States Judicial System decided that his legal punishment should only be community service and counseling.

So why should the NFL be responsible for punishing Mixon any further? Undoubtedly, Mixon will drop in the draft and probably could be had on day three. The San Francisco 49ers should not have to worry about the PR backlash that would ensue from drafting Joe Mixon.

John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan should only concern themselves of adding talented, NFL-caliber players who can turn around the 49ers. Mixon’s more than capable of being a vital cog in the offense.

Furthermore, Tom Pelissero of USA Today adds that Oklahoma officials believe that Mixon’s incident was an isolated act and he’s regarded highly in the locker room.

Also, John Middlekauff, a former NFL Scout, who has sources in Oklahoma claimed that coaches and staff there swear by Joe Mixon. They absolutely love the running back and believe that he’s a completely changed and new person.