Hard to believe Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount will never play in the NFL. After all if he has any NFL type ability teams will line up to place him on their roster. On Thursday night after a loss to Boise State both teams met as usual at the middle of the field to exchange hand shakes, but rather than exchange pleasantries Blount hauled off and punched Boise State player Byron Hout in the face. In a league that allows convicted criminals (premeditated killing of dogs, beating women, DUI’s, etc.) to play due to their extraordinary talent to play football, I really don’t think a stupid decision by a college age kid will do much to curtail his NFL career.
However, the University of Oregon football team and their athletic department need to be applauded for their stance against this type of violence. The game is violent enough without extending it after the final whistle blows.
On Friday afternoon, Oregon Head Coach Chip Kelly announced Blount’s suspension from the team for the entire season. This strong and immediate reaction to this type of unsportsmanlike conduct should make all involved in sports sit up, take notice, and follow. It’s about time we witnessed a bad decision by an athlete result in consequences that every kid that puts on a uniform can understand.
Unlike the NFL, Oregon did not waste time meeting for weeks, testing the waters of public opinion, allowing themselves to be influenced by outside parties with their own agenda. Instead Oregon made an immediate and precise decision that should resonate throughout every locker room and playing field nationwide
Good post, thanks