Legarrette Blount suspended for the season
by John Berkowitz on Sep 4, 2009 2:48 PM PDT
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It has been announced that Legarrette Blount has been suspended for the season by the University of Oregon but will remain with the team.
The suspension would remain in effect through the bowl season, if the Ducks are invited, but Blount will remain in school, on scholarship and in the football program - through any bowl games the Ducks may play in - and will practice and have access to the school's support services.
New Pacific-10 Conference commissioner Larry Scott also issued a statement Friday, saying the conference "has reviewed and endorsed the disciplinary actions'' by Oregon.
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Lamichael James
Is actually a good looking kid. He’ll do good in their system.
by B Money on Sep 4, 2009 5:04 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
This is a desperate chance to save face
Desperate or not, this duck team needs a makeover FAST. After witnessing what we all think we saw last nigh, Kelly had to act quickly and put out fires everywhere. Not only from passionate college football fans, but from duck supporters as well- I’m sure.
This is damage control and Kelly needed it like his job depended on it. That was the 2nd ugliest thing I’ve ever seen in college football. The 1st was the Miami vs. South Florida contest, where it was a free-for-all while the game was in progress. But this thing is without a doubt the most bizzare and the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen from a Pac 10 program.
Good job Oregon. That is something to hang your hat on. This is something that will be remembered for quite some time. Yet if the Chipper doesn’t seize control of this team- we may see more crap like this from the ducks this season. In my opinion nothing really changes, except for Blount is out. The offense still is without playmakers, the QB stands tall like John Wayne in the pocket, but his judgement is cloudy at best, and the O line is full of holes. Defensively? One word: BAD
Bad day to be a duck! WOOF!!!
All I saw was purple
First Game
This season vs last season. Oregon absolutely spanks us at their house. This season, first game, go into Boise and do a complete face plant on the Smurf turf? Polar opposites to start the season, last year compared to this year? Go figure?…and GO DAWGS!!
by doubledeucedawg on Sep 4, 2009 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions
So I understand...
He is off the team but is on scholarship and can use all the football facilities? Can he practice? this is a weird punishment. Why not get this cancer away from the team?!?! Very strange
by bigdave967 on Sep 4, 2009 3:47 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
He is not off the team
he can practice, participate in team functions, etc and is expected to follow team rules. He still has his scholarship and access to all the help available to the student-athlete at UO.
If he had two to do two his playing days at whoregon are done.
It`s apparent...
Oregon didnt make the punishment decision in a vacuum. You better believe the PAC10 and NCAA weighed in and it was made clear that Blount had to go. Blount not losing his schollie was Oregon`s only independent decision in this fiasco.
by 206 on Sep 4, 2009 9:56 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Question...off topic...
…what was with the strange footwork demonstrated by the Oregon QB in the pocket last night? He looked like a Robo QB at times. Is that something new or is that just the way he plays?
Yeah I noticed it as well
Especially on the INT he threw, he stood stone still for like a second, then snapped his body to his right and stared his target down before being hit as he threw. It looked like that was the way he was taught to execute that particular play. Either that or he forgot the play they were running foe that first second.
http://www.spartyandfriends.com/
by thecassino on Sep 4, 2009 4:27 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Very weird
My wife and I were talking about that last night, very weird way to run a play/play football. The only thing I can figure is that they were hoping to confuse the defense, but it backfired horribly.
"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"
It was an odd looking play, but the reason he threw the pick wasn’t so much the robotic motion he had as it was the fact that after he robotically shifted his feet, he was locked in to a section of the field and then was hit as he threw the ball. The ball didn’t have the zip on it Masoli usually has, and the LB was able to make a play on it as a result.
I think the kid brainfarted!
That was some bad QB mechanics- because you never see a QB pivot like that. The topper was it lead to a pic! Not sure who it was, but I agree with them. I think he forgot which play they were running and tried to jump into the already progressing play. That is the only way to explain his bizzare mechanics.
Not sure this zero team is properlly prepared to take the field yet. They made a season worth of dumbfounded mistakes out there. If this is the product of a Chipper team then us Husky fans have nothing to fear. WOW!
All I saw was purple
He looked really bad...
…during the whole game, but I noticed he was worse throwing the rock.
by doubledeucedawg on Sep 4, 2009 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Not buying it.
Forgetting a play would cause a number of problems, bad mechanics, bad footwork, stumbling, weird movements, but not this. After taking the snap, he FROZE in place, not moving a muscle for at least a full second, then he roboticly jumped to one side, and got his as he threw the ball. Those movements weren’t cause by forgetting a play, I’ve watched 20 some years of football and have NEVER seen movements like that. I’m not sure what the goal was, but it was STRANGE!!!
"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"
I happen to think that the punishment is appropriate, as long as he’s not allowed on the sidelines for any games.
I read the “access to support services” as a euphemism for counseling. Kicking him out of school, which is what taking away his scholarship would have done, would most likely mean that he would lose any and all health insurance and access to mental health services available through the university and/or his insurance. And it’s clear from his behavior that he needs some sort of counseling; if it’s simply anger management therapy or something more.
I hope that he will see his suspension as an opportunity to get the help he needs off the field and can grow to be a productive member of society.
Why not transfer outa there?
Okay, this might be a dumb idea. Is the guy a senior? That may explain the weird punishment. This way he can use the facilities in order to have a remote chance of being drafted. He’d fit in really swell with the Oakland Raiders if you ask me.
This guy really screwed himself royaly. No senior year to showcase anything to the pros. And I thought Josh Heitvelt as the kind of idiots!
All I saw was purple
Got to be my keyboard
That last sentence was suppose to be:
“And I thought Josh Heitvelt was the king of idiots”
Time to replace the batteries.
All I saw was purple
No way he gets anger management counseling
they are keeping him at practice for the scout team and letting him train so that he can get drafted to help the university have another NFL player. There are THOUSANDS of kids that pay their own way through college with insurance via through their parents or through the university. They should make him pay his own way just like any other person at Oregon who doesnt play a sport. He is an embarassment and to keep his bad attitude and cancer like behavior near the team will only create more problems down the road. Why would you want him around your players!?!?!? Get him the H*LL OUT…on second thought, Oregon should keep him so that parents and kids who take visits see the crap that goes on at UO.
The kid needed to be punished not thrown away
I would have been happy with a 3-4 game suspension to tell you the truth. I was surpised they took away his entire season. I think Oregon had enough of him but still wants to give him a chance to get to the next level and salvage his life with his talent. That is more than fair.
Take Chris Izbicki for example….Ty took away his entire year and basically tried to run him off which was ridiculous.
I think Oregon did a good job handling this…however how much of it is to help the kid rather than salavage the face of the program?
Oregon is in complete damage control mode right now.
by John Berkowitz on Sep 4, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Totally agree John. Ted Miller has a great take on this as well:
http://espn.go.com/blog/pac10/post/_/id/2268/blounts-punch-will-never-go-away-but-lets-hope-he-grows
I agree with Ted's take
I also think the punishment was too severe, however the fact that he gets to stay on scholarship, practice with the team, and stay in school isn’t a bad deal.
I don’t think people should be thrown away…that is one huge reason why I disliked Willingham…the molder of men had no time for anyone who hurt his image as a molder of men. A bigger hyprocrite you will rarely find.
As for Oregon I think this is a face saving move more than anything else…they should have sat on it a few days intil cooler heads prevailed.
Just another reason I thin they are in big trouble.
by John Berkowitz on Sep 4, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions
We are going to have to agree to disagree
There are thousands of kids who pay their own way through college and Blount should be one of them. Why keep him around the players when he is an obvious cancer. This isnt the first problem he has had. If they want him to stay around then make it a four game suspension and have him back…this is a weird punishment. Cant play but you have to practice and be around the team…why!? This doesnt make sense and in my mind is a very gray area punishment.
His scholarship should be given to someone who actually deserves it. I dont think you should throw anyone to the way side that doesnt deserve to be there. Underage drinking misdemeanor and a Felony assault charge are COMPLETELY different.
Either way I will agree to disagree on this issue.
I agree with bd967...
…if this had been his first incident then I would agree with you John but the kid must have been told to straighten up or you’re gone. Everybody on that Oregon team was emotionally torn up over that loss but none of the other guys lost it and punched someone in the jaw. This could have been worse, he’s lucky the guy he punched is OK.
What would we do in that situation? You know you’re going to get heckled as you come off the field, you get your butt into the lockeroom ASAP!
by doubledeucedawg on Sep 4, 2009 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions
I've seen worse at UW
It just wasn’t on national TV.
by John Berkowitz on Sep 4, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions
What I meant was...
…as a football player, especially a BCS conference player, you’re told over and over again that these situations ARE going to happen. Get your butt into the lockeroom and away from the fans.
by doubledeucedawg on Sep 4, 2009 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions
So, they allow him to stay with the team, keep his scholarship, so that he can get counseling? Are you kidding me? You mean they never saw this coming when they disciplined him before for similar actions? BS. They didn’t mention counseling, if they meant to let him stay so he could get counseling then would have said that. But they didn’t. Which means that was NOT the reason. Wimpy action from a wimpy coach and school. Too little too late. I think they want to let him get to the NFL. I’ll lay a bet right now that no one will draft a thug like this. The NFL had a big leason with Michael Vick and they are not about to bring this into the league. This kid is poison.
I agree with you desertdog..
this does not fit the crime. Kids get kicked out of school all the time for off the field actions, ie barfights, DUI’s, too many underages, fighting, etc. This kid not only embarassed himself, but his family and university. He should be dismissed from the team and scholarship revoked.
As much as I dislike Oregon, I think your take is waaaay off. The kid is basically off the team. But at the same time, they are conscious of the fact that this essentially kills his football career – his NFL chances took a huge blow. Given what else has happened with him at Oregon, it’s clear that right now, this kid is a high risk to be completely adrift in life once his eligibility ends.
As reprehensible as his behavior was, I think it’s correct to keep him on scholarship and in school so that he has a chance to turn his life around. He won’t be playing football for Oregon any more, which is as it should be. He has little shot at the NFL, but he does have time to turn his life around and start to take seriously his academics and work on maturing so that when he is done with school he can be a productive member of society.
This is BS...
…if they want to keep him on scholarship and let him keep working towards a degree then fine but I totally disagree that any consideration whatsoever should be given towards his future NFL career!
by doubledeucedawg on Sep 4, 2009 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I've seen worse at UW
It just wasn’t on national TV.
by John Berkowitz on Sep 4, 2009 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed.
maybe it`s asking too much but there has to be a mature, ethical adult somewhere on Oregon`s campus! tossing Blount from the team is severe enough, banishing him from campus just functions as a public admission that Oregon athletes will be exploited until they are no longer needed and will be never be legitimate members of the student body. honoring Blount`s schollie is a legithmate option for a uniuersity that is serious about educating young people. again, i realize their motive was probably more of a selfish p.r. move but Oregon at least understands what “doing the right thing” looks like.
by 206 on Sep 4, 2009 10:16 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Punishment...
Okay this is my last post on the subject (not that anyone cares) but we have to look at him as a college student. If another college student punched another student during school function he would be dismissed from the university. I have seen it happen. We want to give him second chances because he IS an athlete. That is not fair and especially since they are GIVING him a free education still. This is the most mind boggling punishment I have ever heard of and just shows how much disconnect there is at Oregon. Even the College Game Day guys said he should be kicked out of school, not for punching the BSU kid because that kid kind of deserved it by taunting him, but because he hit his own teammate and went after fans. I agree. I could forgive him for hitting the player because I think that kid had it coming, being a jerk off like that, but to go after fans and punching his own teammate..Come on! All Oregon is doing is keeping this cancer close to the football office so they can babysit him when they should be distanceing themselves from his reckless behavior.
Either way….its over and nothing I say will change anyone’s mind.
HOW ABOUT UW vs LSU!!!!!!!! UW 30 LSU 28 upset of the year!!!!!!!
He will get his shot...
If they give Michael Vick a second chance for what he did…they will have no problem drafting Blount if they think he can help a team. Believe me this just cost Blount millions of dollars in signing bonuses…chances are unless he impresses at the combine he will be a free agent.
by John Berkowitz on Sep 4, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Blount needs to leave Oregon for his own good. What he did on that field last night and all the crap he is going to hear from the zero fans, he is going to be ridiculed forever. Better to get out now and distance yourself from ZeroNation.
I personally think the guy needs some serious therapy and it woud be in his best interest to finish his education. But if he is thinking about playing anymore football- I think it is in his best interest to get out of Eugene now. The CFL will line up for his services. Folks who follow the CFL won’t know him from the next guy out there. And if he puts together a decent CFL career and becomes a model citzen then it may be possible to grab the attention of the NFL- that’s only if he is good enouh, doubtful from what I saw last night.
I’m not saying Blount should run away from his problems, but I do think it may be a good idea to stay low for awhile and enter the CFL next season. At Washington? Blount would’ve been packed and shown the door once he arrived back from Boise.
All I saw was purple
I don't agree Crazi
I am not really into throwing kids on the scrap heap…everyone is capable of rehabilitation. He has been punished enough in my opinion…I also think the punishement was more of a PR move for the Oregon program rather than punishment befitting the crime. Just another reason not to like Oregon IMHO.
i don’t think he is common thug wither…just a kid with problems to work out.
by John Berkowitz on Sep 4, 2009 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree
Throwing him out on the street doesn’t accomplish anything except ending his education. At least keeping him around gives him a chance at finishing his education and learning some tough lessons.
"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"
Allow him the chance to pay for his education and stay at Oregon if he so chooses...
why let him stay for free??? There are kids on that team that have walked on that are more deserving at this point. Still, like I said earlier, this is a strange punishment where he keeps his scholarship and practices with the team, but cant play….very weird.
Kids get tossed out all the time, football players and normal students. If college is supposed to prepare you for the real world then this is a business and he is the Vice President who just got caught picking up a prositute with crack in his pocket…forced into retirement and still collects pension. This is Washington DC’s Mayor Barry getting busted then re-elected…What are people thinking??
Like I said...
I have seen worse at UW but it wasn’t on National TV.
A full season suspension is a publicity ploy by a program in trouble.
by John Berkowitz on Sep 4, 2009 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Could be John....
but let’s not forget that Blount has been in trouble at UO several times before – It could have been to see if they could make one last try at getting him to shape up. His history suggests that he’ll be kicked out of school for good before this seasons over. We’ll see.
The problem with comparing Blount to a regular student is this – we all know that football players at FBS schools are not normal students. Normal students don’t have the time constraints placed on them that football players do. The dirty little secret is this – college football players are actually employees of the University, hired via scholarship to be entertainers promoting the school and performing for the alumni, and in return they are asked to spend a tremendous amount of time practicing and working out.
Let’s not forget that at some point in the future, we’re going to see a class-action lawsuit that seeks to pay college athletes. It may or may not succeed, but there are a lot of people out there that don’t think the value of the scholarship, room & board, books and special tutoring is sufficient payment for the services rendered.
In that context, it’s a little bit easier to understand why a school might feel a greater obligation to try to help an athlete with problems than they would a regular student.
Cost
These kids are getting $80,000 dollar (give or take) in tuition, on top of room and free food, and its not gross cafeteria food, they get specially cooked meals. These kids are ahead of the game when they leave college debt free. They do make the university a lot of money and they do give up a lot of time but they are given an opportunity they most likely otherwise would not have. Either way we are getting off topic…………UW OVER LSU IN THE UPSET OF THE YEAR!!!!
College is a priveledge not a right
It’s painfully obvious this kid took his free ride for granted. Now I know the kid blew a gasket out there, but here’s the thing. How old is this kid? 22, 23, 24? At that age it is time to be a man and stand up. He’s a punk, thug, and a wreckless endangerment to his peer group (zeros). He is old enough to figure out what is best for him. If he’s had anger management issues in the past and has been discplined by the Zero program then he should’ve been mature enough to see the pattern. Secondly he should’ve recognized that he has personal issues to work out. If a person truly wants help- he will find help. I seriously doubt Mr. Blount went seeking help.
Higher education is a priveledge not a right. Oregon’s decision to keep him on scholarship is like a hand out of sorts. What the hell does Oregon owe this kid? They’ve already given him 2 years of higher education, how much is that worth on the street? Oregon’s decision in offering assistants to this troubled kid is bad for college athletics- period! We want good upstanding citizens, kids that have the maturity to juggle both athletics and academics, kids that have their priorities straight, and kids that don’t break the law. How many of these qualities do you think refllects this Mr. Blount?
The way I see it, Blount is a welfare recipient and Oregon is the welfare system. Want a free ride? Will provide you with all the state benefits and insurance that you need- Just don’t go to work. WOW! Have I heard it all…
All I saw was purple
C'mon
Put your life out in the spotlight…we all need a break and a second chance once in awhile.
by John Berkowitz on Sep 4, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions
But John he's had 2nd chances at Oregon already
This kid is already on his 3rd and 4th chances. I believe in 2nd chances, but not 3rds and 4ths. To me that is not a pattern of rehabilitation. That is a pattern of criminal mentality. Sorry we are going to have to disagree on this. 2nd chance yes I agree, but Blount is beyond that point already.
All I saw was purple
You could be right but...
My inside sources at Oregon whom I trust are not saying the guy is a criminal…they are saying he has bipolar tendincies which means he needs some help and can turn the corner. I think a full season suspension was way too harsh even though I wish nothing but bad for the Duck’s.
by John Berkowitz on Sep 4, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions
It's like my buddy said...
…he’s a thug. There are a lot of thugs in college football and the NFL. Remember when Sookee Wiggs got sucker punched by Olin Kruetz?
by doubledeucedawg on Sep 4, 2009 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions
NFL?
He aint making the NFL, not after putting up -5 yards last night! He was out of shape and looked horrible with the rock in his hands
Punching people out after a bad performance isn’t exactly what the NFL brass look for in a guy, not straight outta college. If you’re bad before you get money, heaven knows what you’ll do once you get paid!
I think he is a great talent
Witht he right coaching and guidance I think he can be a solid NFL player.
by John Berkowitz on Sep 4, 2009 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Someone will take a flyer on him....
heck they took Maurice Clarett…that guy had a history that rap songs are written about! I think he’s still in jail!
One name for you
Al Davis!!
"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"
Clarret was a Gamble
3rd round gamble that didn’t pay off for Denver. The Broncos cut him before the start of his rookie season. Still in jail…
All I saw was purple
He's CFL Material at best
That is one reason I thought he should get out of Eugene and go to Canada where his name won’t be so recognized. Maybe by being away from all that was once good- he will clean himself up. A lesson Ryan Leaf never truly figured out until it was too late.
All I saw was purple
We dont really know that yet
nor will we now. He could have been a high pick but his only game of the season and he had negative yards. If he was NFL material he would have carried that team last night…he is maybe 5-7th rounder now but most likely a FA.
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