Suspended RB Blount May Be Reinstated

NFL News - October 2nd, 2009 - Written by John

After slugging a Boise State player post-game, rioting against teammates and attacking fans, Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount may be reinstated by the team.

ESPN.com announced Friday that head coach Chip Kelly said there is a possibility, given cooperation by Blount, that the team would bring him back to finish out the season. He has already been back at practice, staying in game shape with the team despite being banned from competition. He was suspended indefinitely after the incident and was thought to be out for the season.

But he has recently become a father and published an apology to Oregon fans and students in the campus newspaper, the Daily Emerald

The article read, in part: "That night, I used poor judgment and lost self-control. My actions reflected poorly upon my teammates, our football program, and our University.  And for this, I offer my sincerest apologies and heartfelt regrets."

"Going forward, what I hope for is the opportunity to show that I am able to earn a second chance as a University student. And if I am so fortunate, I believe that I also will demonstrate that I am a better man and a better human being for having lived through this unfortunate experience."

He has been ridiculed by his fellow students since the apology. Several posts on the newspaper website say the apology was counterfeited and disingenuous.

A post by "Graceboy" said: "His second chance was when his own players pulled him off the field. His third chance was when the police had to restrain him. His fourth chance? Is that what we are talking about? IF by chance, you think Mr. Blount, the same fool that behaved in that manner, has the sophistication to write that letter, you are being duped. This is all about the PR...He deserves the punishment he received."

But he has impressed the likes of Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden and professor emeritus at Cal-Berkeley, Harry Edwards.

ESPN reports that athletic director, and Blount's former coach, Mike Bellotti favors the reinstatement, as is Oregon president Richard Lariviere. The report indicates that if Blount is to be reinstated, it won't happen until their October 17th bye week.

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