While LeGarrette Blount was suspended for the remainder of Oregon’s 2009 season for, well, ya know, it was made perfectly clear by the university that the running back would remain on scholarship and would be allowed to continue practicing with the team.
He was expected to be at the Ducks’ practice today. And he wasn’t.
Why he wasn’t isn’t exactly known.
What we do know is that Blount had been rumored to be considering a move to a Div. II school, where he would be able to begin his senior season right away and with no suspension strings attached. That rumor was shot down by head coach Chip Kelly over the weekend, but will likely get revved up in light of Blount’s unexplained absence and the coach’s comments following practice.
“It’s his decision now,” Kelly said. “I can’t force him to do anything. It’s his decision. But I also know the young man’s been through a lot and he probably deserves some time to catch his breath and try to make a logical decision on what he feels is the best situation for him. But we’re here for him. Whatever he needs from us in terms of support, we’ll provide for him.”
Kelly also added fuel to the rumor-mill fire by saying that the program will continue to develop Blount as a football player “if that’s what he chooses to do.”
From afar, it would be hard to say one way or the other what the proper path is for Blount to take -- either play at a lower-level division or sit and stay at Oregon. Given the support structure put in place for Blount, and Kelly’s NFL ties, it might be prudent for Blount to sit this one out and focus on his image rehab at the place he’s called home for the last few years.
Then again, Kelly is probably right. Blount might just need to sit back and weigh everything involved before coming to a decision.
Provided he doesn’t disagree with himself during the process and throws a right cross at his own jaw, of course.
