Congratulations to Boise State on their win last night.
I thought I could not be more embarrassed by the poor play of my Oregon Ducks on offense; however, I was wrong. The conduct of Oregon ruining back LeGarrette Blount after the game was even more embarrassing. If I was the coach he would never wear an Oregon Uniform again. His conduct was unacceptable. If Oregon does not act fast the Pac-10 will. Blount is a cancer on the Oregon team and he needs to be cut out. It's bad enough to slug an opponent without a helmet but to hit at other team members should NEVER be tolerated. He brushed by an Oregon coach who was trying to shield him from fans and charged at a fan in the stands on the way to the dressing room. He then had to be literally dragged to the dressing room. It is a privilege to be an Oregon Duck and he has brought dishonor on all Ducks.
I have always been critical of Oregon State fans, Washington Husky fans as well as Boise State fans who rationalise such thuggish conduct by some of their players. I will not do the same for my Ducks. I hold them to a higher standard of conduct.
On a more positive note the Oregon Defense played hard last night but were left on the field way too long. The new Freshman punter did well. Also I am proud of the Oregon players that did act responsibly and did try and restrain Blount.
Time to regroup. Kelly needs to get rid of Blount, reassert control over this team and get ready for Purdue. This is no time to panic. It's a long season and the Duck can overcome! I have faith that Chip Kelly can get it done. Let's Go Ducks!
UPDATE:
Oregon head football coach Chip Kelly announced this afternoon that LeGarrette Blount has been suspended for this season and for any possible bowl game the Ducks may attend. As a senior who has played a game this season this effectively ends his career at the University of Oregon. He will still be on scholarship and may attend team events if he abides by team rules. He will be able to get an education if he apples himself but will never play again in a game for the Ducks.
Statement by Larry Scott, Pac 10 Commissioner:
We commend the University of Oregon and its leadership for taking swift and decisive
action in response to this incident. The Pac-10 strongly 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
University of Oregon President Richard Lariviere
At the conclusion of last night’s University of Oregon season opening football game against Boise State University, a UO player displayed inappropriate and unsportsmanlike behavior. There is no place on the field of play for that kind of action, and his conduct was reprehensible.I think the University of Oregon has acted appropriately and agree with the action taken. Go Ducks!
“We do not and will not tolerate the actions that were taken by our player. Oregon’s loyal fans expect and deserve better. The University of Oregon Athletics Department is reviewing the situation and will take appropriate action, reflecting the seriousness of the player’s behavior.
“We then hope to put this incident behind us and look forward to the rest of the season.
“UO players, coaches and fans are known for their passion and enthusiasm for athletic competition. At the University of Oregon, we are committed to demonstrating that passion in positive ways.”
