Read the debate intro and Bleacher Fan’s argument that Blount should be reinstated.
As a child growing up in South Georgia, I was always taught by my parents that honesty was the best policy. You have all heard these sayings like, “You are only as good as your word” and “Your word is your bond.” In theory, these are good thoughts to go by in life. In sports, honesty also remains the way to go, and that is often either forgotten or overlooked. For every extra-marital affair by a sports figure or talking head, you have an umpire admitting he missed a call in a postseason game. You often have golfers who give themselves stroke penalties when they feel they have broken a rule. How refreshing. What about Oregon Ducks running back LeGarrette Blount?
You all know who Blount is and what his story is. If you do not, read Sports Geek’s intro. If you have not seen the video of the sucker punch (which I find hard to believe), then click here. No one is letting the Boise State player off the hook. In the year of “non-celebration,” it was something that was done in poor taste. But Blount should not have lost his cool, and should therefore suffer the consequences, as he has to this point.
The day after the game, Blount was told by Oregon head football coach Chip Kelly and athletic director Mike Belloti (who actually recruited Blount to Eugene) that he was being suspended for the remainder of the season. With Blount being a senior, his college career was effectively over. In the press conference announcing the suspension, several quotes were made and several prepared statements were released by all ofinvolved parties backing up the suspension.
- “That’s not what we are all about. That’s not what we coach. That’s not what we stand for and it’s unacceptable.” Oregon head football coach Chip Kelly
- ”We do not and will not tolerate the actions that were taken by our player. Oregon’s loyal fans expect and deserve better.” Oregon president Richard Lariviere in a prepared statement
- “The PAC-10 strong emphasizes sportsmanship and fair play in all its athletic competitions and expects high standards of sportsmanship from all participants, including student-athletes. In this case, those standards were not met and the university has taken appropriate disciplinary actions.” Pac 10 Commissioner Larry Scott
Now, let’s fast forward to today. After an apology by Blount was published in the school paper earlier this month it was announced that Blount might be reinstated if he reaches certain guidelines. He could possibly play as early as November 7th against Stanford.
If that happens, then the three quotes I listed above can be wadded up and thrown out with yesterday’s newspaper. Kelly must now think that Blount’s actions were acceptable and it is what “we are all about.” Is Lariviere saying that Oregon tolerates such actions? Apparently so! Does the PAC-10 not emphasize strong sportsmanship? Apparently they do not!
I cannot help but wonder if Oregon is looking at the fact that Blount could be a big help to this year’s team. Oregon has been on a roll since that opening game nightmare. I am not saying that is in the thought process… but if it is, then shame on Oregon. Looking on from afar, the idea of Blount’s abilities helping Pregon definitely enters my mind!
The bottom line is that Oregon took a stand in the line of fire earlier this season, and now they are retracting the original punishment. The program and its representatives are not sticking to their original “word.” Therefore the entire coaching staff, administration, and even the conference as a whole, loses credibility.
