OKLAHOMA CITY — Former Oklahoma running back and 1978 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims has apologized for yelling "Boomer" 11 times during Saturday's Heisman ceremony in New York City, but said he has no plans to temper his school spirit.

Sims has come under fire after his outburst at the Nokia Theater when OU quarterback Sam Bradford was named this year's Heisman winner.

"I hear I've been getting some bad press, that I say 'Boomer Sooner' too much," Sims told The Oklahoman Monday. "In no way did I mean to upstage Sam's night. I love Oklahoma so much, and I try to be a spokesman for the university. I will never, ever stop saying 'Boomer.'

"But I apologize to the Bradford family and the Heisman Trust if I crossed a boundary. Sam's dad, Kent, was a teammate of mine and was part of my Heisman season. That's why I was so happy for Sam."

Later, Heisman Trust member Sanford Wurmfeld, who presented the Heisman Trophy to Bradford on Saturday, came to Sims' defense.

"If someone told Billy that the Heisman Trust was unhappy with him, that is far from the case," Wurmfeld said.

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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com