Just as college football fans gear up for another season, Ree Drummond’s son, Bryce, is dealing with legal trouble off the field.
The 22-year-old Oklahoma State quarterback won’t be getting his driver’s license back anytime soon, after an appeals court decided to uphold its suspension.
This latest development lands just weeks before Bryce is expected to return to campus in Stillwater for the 2025 football season.
Arrest Sparks More Than Just a Criminal Case
Bryce Drummond’s troubles started back in May 2024, when he was arrested near his home under suspicion of being in control of a vehicle while intoxicated.
Although that specific misdemeanor charge was tossed out in April by a judge—who said officers lacked probable cause—the situation still triggered a separate civil action by the agency Service Oklahoma.
That civil case led to Bryce losing his driver’s license for 180 days, a penalty often enforced even if criminal charges don’t stick.
Interlock Device Allowed Him Limited Driving
Though his license was revoked, Bryce was given a bit of leeway.
He was allowed to drive his own car—but only if it was equipped with an interlock device that would stop the engine from starting unless he passed a breathalyzer test.
Meanwhile, Bryce’s attorney, Ky Corley, filed an appeal claiming that the original traffic stop wasn’t legal to begin with.
More Trouble During the Appeal Process
Things took another turn when Bryce was pulled over again—this time in Osage County—and cited for driving with a revoked license.
However, because his appeal was still in process at the time, that particular charge was dismissed.
Despite that minor reprieve, the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals ruled on August 1 that the original revocation of his license would stand.
The court decided the district judge hadn’t made any legal mistake in revoking the license.
Not ready to give up, Bryce’s lawyer says they plan to take the case to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
What Happened That Night in May 2024?
According to USA Today, Bryce was parked in his pickup truck near his house when police approached him.
They were already in the area investigating an unrelated disturbance and noticed his truck lights flick on.
Officers found Bryce sitting in the driver’s seat.
After conducting a field sobriety test, they claimed they saw clear signs of intoxication and placed him under arrest.
Though the criminal charge didn’t go anywhere—thanks to a judge ruling the stop lacked probable cause—prosecutors originally planned to challenge the dismissal.
But they missed the deadline, so the criminal case is officially closed.
A Spotlight on the Drummond Family
This legal saga has brought renewed attention to the Drummond family, who are well-known across the U.S. thanks to Ree Drummond, famously known as The Pioneer Woman.
With her successful blog, bestselling cookbooks, and hit Food Network show, Ree built an empire from her home on the family’s massive cattle ranch in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
The Drummonds are also Osage County’s largest landowners, making them prominent figures in both local life and the national spotlight.