The Oregon Ducks football team applauded, literally, when Ducks Coach Chip Kelly announced his move to reinstate suspended running back LeGarrette Blount. Blount was suspended after sucker-punching a Boise State player after the season opening 19-8 loss on the famous Blue Turf at Boise State.
Kelly did say Blount will see limited duty as the team’s third or fourth running back on the roster but don’t expect the talented runner to remain in that spot long. Here’s an ESPN video of Kelly’s interview and the incident here.
When I first saw the video of Blount’s assault on the opposing player, I couldn’t start up the laptop quick enough to rip his actions and support a severe suspension, even a lifetime ban from NCAA Football. Like many others, I wanted Blount’s head on a platter.
Since then however, I realize Blount was antagonized by the Boise State player and even though that does not justify his actions, several other similar incidents have occurred in the NCAA and NFL since that were unprovoked and those players have walked away unscathed or at least avoided any lengthy suspensions.
University of Michigan Wolverine player Jonas Mouton received just a one-game suspension by the Big Ten after throwing his unprovoked cheap-shot at an innocent Notre Dame player well after a whistle.
The classless move was totally ignored by U of M Coach Rich-Rod as was a similar more recent incident involving another Wolverine. Here’s that video of the punch here:
The newest member to the “Turn-Your-Head-While-I-Throw-a-Cheapshot-To-Your-Jaw” Club is Chicago Bear defensive lineman Tommie Harris who is awaiting a response from the NFL after he sucker-punched an opposing player in the opening minutes of Sunday’s 41-21 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
That victim was laying flat on his stomach totally unaware anything was coming. I’m a strong supporter of suspensions for these acts but if one player like Blount gets singled out and has their career threatened with long severe disciplinary actions while the others skirt punishment, Blount needs to be given this second opportunity.
Hats off to Coach Kelly for realizing that and doing the right thing; and best of luck to Mr. Blount on his quest for the NFL.
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