Oregon's LeGarrette Blount, who was suspended for the season by coach Chip Kelly after a postgame tirade Sept. 3 at Boise State, could be reinstated before the end of the season.
Oregon issued a release Thursday night that hinted at Kelly's plan, which "could include Blount's potential reinstatement prior to the conclusion of the 2009 season.'' Kelly will discuss Blount's status Friday.
Earlier Thursday, the Oregon student newspaper Daily Emerald published a well-crafted letter to the editor signed by Blount, who indicated that he did not expect to get a second chance. All that seems to have changed.
Eugene Register-Guard columnist George Schroeder writes that bringing back Blount is the wrong move.
"There's no point in rehashing the reasons. We've all seen the video too many times. It was bad, and it could have been worse, if assistant coach Scott Frost and security personnel hadn't been able to wrestle Blount away from the Boise State fans.
"Everyone has long since formed an opinion on Blount's actions, and Kelly's reaction.
"But it's fair now to wonder whether this was the plan all along."
That's right, Kelly never intended for Blount to sit out the season. Schroeder writes that "you'd be forgiven for wondering whether this was a set-up, right from the start. After beating Cal, it appeared the Ducks would be fine without Blount. So Kelly has cover to bring Blount back, if it happens. It doesn't seem self-serving, a coach in need of help to win. It does seem awfully convenient."
Thanks to Image of Sport.
I don't think it's very fair to criticize Chip Kelly's decision before the man has even had a chance to explain what he is going to do, why and whether or not it was always planned.
Posted by: wheaton4prez | October 02, 2009 at 06:38 AM
It's Oregon .. what did you expect? This is called "Sports Marketing" Nike style, folks. Now, whatch them run up the score this Saturday on WSU, another Oregon trait. Classy school.
Posted by: r | October 02, 2009 at 12:53 PM