Breaking: Kelly could reinstate Blount

As if our game against Oregon wasn't going to be tough enough. A 12:30pm game no less!

about 1 month ago bruin8uclap 6 comments 0 recs |

Comments

My knee jerk reaction to this news

is WOW, so much for Oregon’s and Chip Kelly’s integrity. It seems like a move to make/keep them competitive now that they stomped Cal and they’re in the driver’s seat for a Pac 10 championship.

Upon further review, however, I realized they have done quite well without LaGarrette Blount. And, I had completely dismissed outright the idea that the young man might have in fact learned a painful lesson.

I’m not sure how to feel, but I’m still leaning towards, “winning is more important than integrity at Oregon” feeling. How you guys (and gals) feel?

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Oct 2, 2009 12:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm

I actually think that if Blount really has conducted himself as a model citizen without any knowledge that he would eventually be reinstated, he does deserve a second shot. Whether he did or did not have prior knowledge can never be proven, but whatever the case if he is indeed reinstated he will be on a very short leash.
Kelly does seem to have more control of this team than he did in that first game against Boise St., so perhaps this is a reflection of that fact.

Oh UCLA you sweet bitch, you've BRUINed me for anything else.

by bruin8uclap on Oct 2, 2009 5:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am somewhat ambivalent about it

Looking back at it I think punishment to suspend him for the entire season might have been too harsh. Still Kelly made a really bold move. However, I think if he were to come back during the heat of Pac-10 season, it will look pretty opportunistic on Kelly’s part. I don’t know much about this right now to make a fully informed opinion. Obviously will have this to mull over next week.

by Nestor on Oct 2, 2009 6:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The problem I have with this decision is

that this was not an isolated incident. Blount had already been suspended from practice prior to the season starting, and was mouthing off in the newspapers before the Boise St. game.

Not only did he punch a Boise St. player over words no less, but he also tried to fight a teammate, numerous fans, and security personnel. To me this all reeks of Kelly wanting a competitive edge. He had the opportunity to show that he was a no nonsense coach, and that actions like these simply would not stand in his program, and now he looks more like a bit of a pushover.

It’s also not as though Blount was being thrown out with no chance at ever succeeding in life. He was still given the opportunity to earn a college diploma, and provide for his new family, which is a much greater chance than what is presented to many people in this age.

by DannyJay01 on Oct 2, 2009 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Strange

I think the change in stance is the strangest aspect of the story. It appeared that everyone from the UofO stated quite emphatically that there was not chance that Blount would return this season. However, the initial shock of the incident has worn off. Cooler heads are now evaluating the situation.

Personally, I understand allowing his return. This young man had a very bright future. He was on course to earn a lot of money. He recently had a child (well, he fathered one), and I’m sure the program understands the amount of loss he could face over a single incident. I very much respected Chip Kelly’s decision to keep Blount around and practicing in order to keep him on track to graduate and hopefully continue his playing career.

That said, Blount did not simply punch an opposing player. If that had been all, he would have been suspended for two games and life goes on. He attacked fans, teammates, and anyone else within his reach. I can certainly understand the argument for not allowing his return.

Given what I’ve read about Chip Kelly, I’m sure he has watched Blount closely and believes that he has earned consideration of reinstatement.

by AllHailMightyBruins on Oct 2, 2009 11:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs