Dark Cloud In Eugene

The season long suspension of LeGarrette Blount for his post game explosion is more despicable than Blount's actions.

In a court of US law Blount's actions would have been disregarded based on self defense. Byron Haut instigated the melee when he tapped Blount on the shoulder and taunted him, this would be considered assault and Blount's reaction would be considered irrelevant. Blount never assualted anyone else after he defended himself with the right handed punch. As for the right to the jaw being a sucker punch. Byron Haut instigated the confrontation and while Blount was in the midst of retaliating Boise State Head Coach Chris Petersen can be seen pulling his out of control back up defensive lineman away from the altercation. So in the fraction of a second when Blount retaliated he couldn't possibly pull back and is seen not putting his weight into the punch.

Punches are thrown all the time in football. It's not Blount's fault that in a physical game that Byron Haut did not have his helmet on when he mouth was wide open shouting taunts at the Oregon running back.

The punch is just one of many factors that is going to contribute to the decline in Oregon football despite the wealthy benefactor Philip Knight the founder of the elite brand in sports, Nike. The loss was an ugly one on national television for Nike and new head coach, alleged offensive guru Chip Kelly looked like a buffoon as the Ducks failed to ring up a first down over the course of the first 38 minutes of play. Guys like Philip Knight, school president Richard Lariviere, and alumni snobs might have been appeased by the suspension but players that watch YouTube.com are going to know that LeGarette Blount's career has been put in jeopardy with the season long suspension because spineless school officials have failed to acknowledge the despicable post game taunting by a bench player towards a team leader during a time when the victor must be gracious. What player is going to want to play for a buffoon and a spineless buffoon that prefers to throw his player into the spotlight when his play calling was a factor in putting the player in the unenviable position of being taunted by a post game disrespectful moron. People like to say Blount disrespected the game, not nearly as bad as Byron Haut disrespected the game by rubbing salt in the wound after the fact. Haut's actions are the equivalent to Brock Lesnar getting in Frank Mir's face and taunting him after he knocked Mir out in UFC 100. UFC CEO Dana White didn't put up with Lesnar's bullshit immediately pulling the heavyweight aside and scolding him for his despicable actions and Haut's actions were just as despicable.

In no way am I excusing what Blount did because the punch was on national television and not suspending Blount would send the wrong message to young players that would feel the right to be a poor loser and pound their opponents after the game. Personally I believe one game would be a sufficient suspension and could understand a 2-3 or even a four game suspension would be enough to send the message that punching another player with their helmet off could not be tolerated but the entire season? Way to throw your player under the bus Chip Kelly when you should be stepping up to the plate and telling the press you sucked with your play calling and do not want to put your players in a position again where they are subjected to such classless taunts but have to suspend your big running back for three to four games.

Football is tough, it's physical, and is a game of respect. To suspend a player for an entire season for a punch is a joke. I hope the president of the University, Chip Kelly, Athletic Director Mike Belotti and the rest of the supporters of this decision will remember this moment when the team is battling the cellar dwellars of the Pac - 10 for years to come.