Perkins Man Accused of Beating Son Over OU / OSU Rivalry

A Perkins man is accused of beating his 9-year-old son because he did not like Oklahoma State University (OSU). Gannon Mendez now faces one count of child abuse. All of the details of what led to that criminal charge are written in an affidavit.

Mendez's Perkins neighborhood has a lot of OSU fans.

"Our son graduated from there and we cheer for the Pokes," said neighbor, Roxanna Conner.

But an OSU fan in one house is accused of taking his love for the team way too far.

"I think any time you hear about child abuse you're always shocked," said Conner.

According to the affidavit, Gannon Mendez beat his 9-year-old son because his son preferred the University of Oklahoma (OU). The affidavit says police found the boy with "...sever (sic) bruising to the back, buttocks and leg."

According to the affidavit, the abuse began when police say the boy "...told another juvenile at school he didn't like OSU and got in trouble." The affidavit says the boy "...likes OU, but his mom and dad ... are OSU fans and made him get rid of all his OU stuff."

Fox 25 went by the Perkins home where the alleged abuse occurred. No one came to the door. But some neighbors are surprised to hear the abuse allegations the told police.

"It's kind of hard to believe," said neighbor, Katie Niles.

According to the affidavit, Mendez "...bashed him with a wooden paddle." Another allegation in the affidavit claims Mendez "...chopped up soap and pushed it into his mouth, cutting the juveniles (sic) lip." The boy claims Mendez "...punched him in the nose and crushes his nose periodically and makes it bleed."

The affidavit says the boy was also forced to do exercises when in trouble. The boy told police Mendez "...woke him up 4 time or about every 30 minutes through the night to do push ups and jump exercises."

"It's a sad deal for all around I think," said neighbor, Katie Niles.

Neighbors say the allegations have been the talk of the neighborhood. But they're holding off judgement for now, leaving that up to the courts.

"I'm not going to believe anything until it's a proven deal," said Niles.

Gannon Mendez is due in court for his Initial Appearance on Tuesday.

We called Mendez's attorney to try to get a statement, but we have not yet heard back. Perkins Man Accused of Beating Son Over OU / OSU Rivalry

Posted: Monday, February 18 2013, 09:53 PM CST