UO's LaGarrette Blount goes crazy post-game in Boise

Kari Chisholm FacebookTwitterWebsite

It was, to be sure, an ugly football game for the Oregon Ducks. Scoreless until late in the third quarter, with only 152 yards of total offense, the Ducks lost 19-8 to Boise State. The game, with both teams in the Top 20 nationally, was supposed to be an showcase between two innovative offenses - and it was instead, said ESPN's Graham Watson, a "comedy of errors".

But a bad game wouldn't be worthy of a discussion here at BlueOregon. It's the post-game that will have all of America abuzz in the morning.

The game opened with the NCAA's new everybody-shake-hands display of sportsmanship. But it ended with Oregon's star tailback, LaGarrette Blount, sucker-punching an unhelmeted Boise State player (who was trash-talking) and restrained by police and a coach from entering the stands to wreak havoc on some BSU fans.

Watch the video (just a few seconds each):

First, the sucker-punch:

And then, the action at the edge of the field:

Surely, Blount is going to be on the receiving end of some sort of disciplinary action. My question to all of you: what's appropriate? A one-game suspension? A four-game suspension? Expulsion from the team?

Keep in mind: Blount was suspended in the spring by outgoing coach Mike Bellotti for failing to meet various undisclosed team obligations. He'd been reinstated by the new coach, Chip Kelly.

Thoughts?

(Hat tip to the OregonianSports twitter feed for the video links, and thanks to "jakeinpro" for posting them so quickly.)

Update: The O's John Canzano has his take up, and it's scathing:

Because there's no point today in arguing whether Oregon should have run the ball more effectively, or passed it more effectively. Or blocked better. Or even arrived with an offensive game plan that made more sense.

This becomes about character now. Ethics, standards and accountability at are stake. If Kelly gives Blount a pass, or slaps him on the wrist, be sure this will become a program that regularly embarrasses all of us.

Who cares if it wins games? The damage will be done.

Bellotti said after the game that Blount's future will be a university decision. That the athletic director and the university president will consult and make a decision on whether or not to suspend him or remove him permanently. But if you're Kelly, can you really accept Blount as part of your program should the suits give him a pass?

He's also got the full three minutes of ESPN video as-it-happened. Check it out.

  • abe (unverified)
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    [Racist crap deleted. -editor.]

  • jeff fehsenfeld (unverified)
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    wtf thats way out of line... and what he did was shitty even as a duck fan he should be suspended for 2 or 3 games maybe

  • abe (unverified)
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    oh puhleeze.

  • bert (unverified)
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    I don't think it was that bad. If Vick can play, this guy can plan.

  • mav-10293 (unverified)
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    this is out of line by any means. But after losing a game like that how would you react to some one from the opponent talking shit to you? I know for a fact I probably would have done the same thing as him.

  • Patty Homley (unverified)
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    I'm appalled with this young man's decision. However, he is a young man. I believe he should get no more than 1 game to think about what he did, apologize, and start fresh.

    Racist comment?!

  • Long Time Duck Fan (unverified)
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    This is a very sad day in UO Athletics. The team looked uninspired, the coach looked lost and out of place, and LeGarrette Blount should be bounced from the team. Boise St wanted it more and the game should have been a blow out and not as close as it was, which was not very. Sure the Boise St player should not have taunted as he did but LeGarrette Blount's response was malicious and overdone. Another blow for sportsmanship.

  • Beaver Believer (unverified)
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    Notice how Blount throws the punch then back pedals away? What a tough guy. I hope he loses the whole season. This behavior is unacceptable for a collegiate athlete. Michael Vick him and make an example. This is football, a game, not the ghetto. If he wants to gang bang there is probably room for him on the next season of gangland.

  • Auriocard (unverified)
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    Let's see....Blount trash talks the week before the game...can't convert first downs, get's nailed for a safety, can't take the other guys trash-talking and sucker punches his opponent after the game.

    Oregon, I fear that this player (and his behavior) are representative of your program, not the exception within it. You have one chance (with this situation) to do the right thing. If Blount is not kicked off the team (and allowed to continue playing) then it is confirmation your program lacks integrity and is a poor reflection on the university and a shameful representative of the conference.

    This is the Pac-10 for pete's sake, not the SEC or Miami!

  • TRUTH (unverified)
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    2 or 3 games? LMFAO Are you STUPID? FIRST of all, what he did is a CRIMIMAL ACTION you inane little waste of internet space! The kid should be kicked off the team, charged with assault and maybe even kicked out of school. WHY? Well, see my first comment AND he was on NATIONAL TV representing the university. Do I really have to say more here? He made a fool of himself, his team, his school, the people of the state of Oregon and the coaching staff. He committed a CRIMINAL ACT and did not stop after the fact. He continued the crap, this time pointing his anger at FANS. 2 or 3 games? This isnt the NFL moron, these are COLLEGE STUDENTS. They are KIDS learning how to live life and how to ACT in life. If they let him off with a few games or even a season kick, its bs. I'm an Alabama fan and I'm telling you right now, REAL COACHES and ADs would have this moron off of campus ASAP. Dont believe me? Do some research!

  • David (unverified)
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    -5 yards rushing, tackled in the end zone for a safety... just walk off the field. you were already embarrassed, now your football career is essentially over. Just plain stupid

  • BleedingBlue&Orange (unverified)
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    With his past short-comings for the team(being supsended indefinitely by the former coach), I say kick him out for the season. If he can't handle a little trash talking from us po-dunk Broncos, which he let loose with leading up to the game, how is he gone handle it from any other team. Kick the trash(Blount) to the curb!

  • Sully (unverified)
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    What he did was lame and indefensible...but the film clip didn't show the BSU player taunting him and Boise’s coach trying to get his own BSU player out of Blount’s face. At least show the whole story, not just the Blount hitting the guy for no reason. Journalists show the whole story. I am not rationalizing Blount's actions at all because it was entirely unsportsmanlike and reprehensible. But don't show a 4 second clip without the whole series of events. Blount even went after his own teammate at one point...wtf??? Dude is done awhile...a long while, if not for good!!

  • Jebediah Moklusky (unverified)
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    [Racist crap deleted. -editor.]

  • K Mo (unverified)
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    Expulsion for sure! What an embarrassment to us all. He needs anger management. Hopefully Kelly will have the balls to get rid of him for good. And I hope that if he remains at the school he is shunned by everyone on campus.

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    Sully, I've posted the video I've got. I'm sure there will be more soon. But I'm fairly certain no amount of trash-talking or taunting justifies punching an unhelmeted guy in the face -- especially if you're wearing a helmet of your own.

    And TRUTH wrote: He committed a CRIMINAL ACT and did not stop after the fact. He continued the crap, this time pointing his anger at FANS.

    I can't find the video, but watching it live, I think he may have also assaulted a police officer on his way out.

  • jeff fehsenfeld (unverified)
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    TRUTH "2 or 3 games? LMFAO Are you STUPID? FIRST of all, what he did is a CRIMIMAL ACTION you inane little waste of internet space! The kid should be kicked off the team, charged with assault and maybe even kicked out of school. WHY? Well, see my first comment AND he was on NATIONAL TV representing the university. Do I really have to say more here? He made a fool of himself, his team, his school, the people of the state of Oregon and the coaching staff. He committed a CRIMINAL ACT and did not stop after the fact. He continued the crap, this time pointing his anger at FANS. 2 or 3 games? This isnt the NFL moron, these are COLLEGE STUDENTS. They are KIDS learning how to live life and how to ACT in life. If they let him off with a few games or even a season kick, its bs. I'm an Alabama fan and I'm telling you right now, REAL COACHES and ADs would have this moron off of campus ASAP. Dont believe me? Do some research!" haha ok man as soon as he did it i was the first to say hes arrested and kicked off the team... i know more about the ducks and their program than you do so please dont think you have some sort of right to insult me about what im saying. i was mearly having high hopes because when he is playing better he is a electric tailback

  • wiley white boy (unverified)
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    [Racist crap deleted. -editor.]

  • Cait (unverified)
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    Totally out of line. As if their poor playing wasn't bad enough, the Ducks at least needed pride and sportsmanship to fall back on. Not a violent, undignified outburst like this. I think Blout should be removed from the team.

  • wiley white boy (unverified)
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    whooooooweeeee he is hoppin mad

  • Mo (unverified)
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    [Racist crap deleted. -editor.]

  • YES (unverified)
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    I agree with Truth, forget about his suspension, he should be lucky he doesn't serve jail time. That is absolutely a criminal act. The Oregon football program should wash their hands of him.

  • Ron (unverified)
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    The incident with Legarret Blount warrants his dismissal from school. Whatever might have been said by the player he struck is immaterial in light of the pre game comments reportedly made before the game. The sucker punch was a cheap shot, but resisting coaches and then two policemen in uniform, acting like a crazed animal is not foregivable. Especially resisting uniformed police. If my daughter was in your school and he was not kicked off campus, I would be in the President's office with all the other parents protesting his continued stay. If he were to enlist in the Army, if he could get in, serve active duty, he could possibly get a spot back after 3 years of service. Sincerely, Ronald Barr

  • Sonny Blevins (unverified)
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    Ask urban meyer what he did to cameron newton for stealing laptops? I will go ahead and tell you hes not on the team anymore. This guy has not option but to start saying im sorry admitting his wrong doing and begging for the shortest suspension he can get...College is for grown ups not Kids hes grown he knows he did wrong... Sorry can go a long way...I feel sorry for him because he will be talked about and looked at like and impossible nfl player to have although hes a great back....he needs to be punished but i pray he gets his chance to redeem himself

  • Sully (unverified)
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    I was wondering why they didn't arrest him right there. It totally looked like he hit the police and/or a security officer. My apologies if that was the only video you could get or have. Again, I am not condoning his actions at all! I’m guessing he’s done for the year if not kicked off the team.

  • YES (unverified)
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    It doesn't matter what the BSU player said AT ALL. Smack talking is not illegal, punching someone is. It doesn't matter what the other player said to him, he should show some maturity and walk away, instead he acted like a street thug and embarrassed himself and the Oregon football program.

  • Hank (unverified)
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    I'll be stunned if Blount is not kicked off the team. The full context is that 1.) he talked trash before the game, 2.) he sucker punched an un-helmeted player, 3.) he went after Boise State fans in the stands, 4.) he took a swing at the security guards restraining him, and 5.) he has been suspended in the past from the team. Chip Kelly would show himself as a head coach with no spine if he doesn't jettison Blount for the rest of the season.

  • hakuna matata (unverified)
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    hakuna matata what a crazy matata!

  • Ryan Hinz (unverified)
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    I agree. Blount not only embarrassed himself by doing what he did, his actions reflect on Oregon, The Ducks, and the Athletic Department. You need to accept that in the game of football your going to have embarrassing losses in your career. it happens, accept it, learn from it, and move on. Your going to deal with trash talk your entire career from other players and fans. It is immature, dishonorable, no pride, and no sportsman ship at all to do what he did. granted, the boise state player didnt show good sportsman ship at all either, but he didnt punch Blount in the face. I am a devout Duck fan and i am embarrassed by what Blount did on National television, and what that says about our team. I do not want to be thought of as a team who takes cheapshots and decks other players for talking some smack. I think he needs to be gone for good. Couple that with the face he was already suspended earlier for violating team rules. the Ducks are much better than what Blount made us out to be with his actions. That is NOT who the Ducks really are but unfortunately thats how we are going to be perceived now if the AD doesnt do some heavy punishments and make it known that we DO NOT TOLERATE that BS

  • Cy (unverified)
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    If he is not kicked off the team I will cheer for every UO opponent as long as he is on the team.

    Football has no room for uncontrolled anger on or off the field.

    At very minimum he needs to be charged with assault and be suspended for at least half a season. And then only if he expresses extreme remorse, which his little post game interview did not.

  • (Show?)

    Out for the season, unless there is more to this. It was totally unacceptable behavior for a college athlete. Any collegiate athlete should expect to be off a team for such behavior.

    I don't want him associated with the team of a public university I help support with taxes.

  • JB (unverified)
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    One game? For punching one guy on the other team, punching a teammate, and at least pushing fans?

    LOL! Anything less than 4 games will encourage more behavior like that. If the Oregon coach has an ounce of integrity, Blount will be off the team after he looks at the film.

    All that put together is too much to tolerate.

  • J (unverified)
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    The punch itself was bad (as well as the taunting by the Boise St player) but if you notice what set Blount off was a comment by the gentleman in the glasses and white t-shirt. It looks like he said either "f----t" or "n----r" and while Blount is being restrained he is slapped across the face by the same Boise State fan who was screaming "FU" at him that came rushing down to interject himself in an already volatile situation.

    Both those people should be discplined by Boise State as well as whatever punishment Blount should (and will) face.

  • Sonny Blevins (unverified)
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    All over youtube you can find people losing there temper and doing these things there not acceptable and need be punished....let him play again after a long suspension some people have been on trial for murder and still they play on...

  • backbeat (unverified)
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    Since when did criminal acts stop these jocks from playing at the college level? When I went to UO, there was a convicted rapist on the team. One day he and his football buddies started hurling other people's TV's out the 4th floor windows at the University Inn. What a joy it was living in that building with them, having them block the doors as we tried to enter after dark, threatening us quite literally. And NO, they weren't all black, but all were privileged once they got to Eugene. Many were poor, whether coming from poor rural Orygun or poor innercity LA. All of a sudden then have a bit of money in their pockets and blammo. Nothing new here, move along. It is all a big racket, accept it or don't, whatever. People have been having these debates for decades.

    As for punishment? Had he not had the prior problems, I would suspend him for 3 games. But given the past, he should be suspended for the season.

  • James (unverified)
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    Not defending Blounts actions but Hout will think twice next time about running up out of his way on someone obviously dejected and laying a sissy shoulder slap on them with some trash talk. That much he learned tonight.

    Blount has emotional problems, he needs to be disciplined with a multi game suspension. I hope the university comes to his support in dealing with those emotional issues. Sad to see another come into the institutional system not emotionally matured and have the system fail him aka lawrence phillips. What do you think your getting bringing some of these kids in with the backgrounds they have. He wasnt raised in an oxford prep school.

  • GoBeavers (unverified)
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    You're a collegiate athlete? You don't deserve to be one. Kick this wannabe gangbanger off the team. Odds are we'll see him in jail within 2 years.

  • Oreganfan (unverified)
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    Everybody trash talks, it's college football. However, when you represent a university you are held to a higher standard. You should never sucker-punch anyone. The University has a responsibility to discipline Blount to the max, even if that means kick him off the team. If they only suspend him one or two games, they are sending the message that they are a bunch of sucker punching weenies. I would be embarrassed to support that school.

  • backbeat (unverified)
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    PS, I'm a woman, and the football players would lie in wait as we came home and threatened rape.

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    He should be off of the team, no questions. It reflects badly on the University of Oregon and encourages bad behavior to slap him on the wrist. More importantly, it doesn't give him incentive to change his behavior.

  • Greg M (unverified)
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    First of all the Boise State player was completely out of line to run up to Blount hit him (yes he hit Blount first) on the helmet and on the shoulder pad. It wasn't a violent hit, just taunting, but can you really blame Blount for laying the guy out? For all the talk here about sportsmanship and fundamental ethics lets get right to the point here...Boise State showed a complete lack of class. Its like they've never won a ballgame before. Its completely unacceptable that the Boise State player sought out Blount to taunt him, including striking his helmet and shoulder pads. That Boise State player got what he deserved and should be suspended for the remainder of the season. As for Blount, while a talented running back, he's revealed himself to be a complete thug. Not only did he sucker punch the Boise State player (after the Boise State player turned away to look at his coach), but he also punched an Oregon teammate, and even tried to attack a group of fans on the sideline. Blount cost himself dearly (in terms of an NFL payday) and should be dismissed from the Oregon team, expelled from school, and brought up on criminal charges. He wrestled with a police officer, stadium security, and coaches for almost a full minute. I promise you that if you or I became that physical with a police officer we'd be looking at doing felony time. He's a young man, but this transcended football. However, don't forget that the classless act by the Boise State player brought all of this about. Have some class, celebrate without taunting or calling someone else out. Blount disgraced his program, but he was retaliating. The Boise State player was culpable, and got what he deserved a black eye...everything else that followed, revealed Blount's character as well. A complete thug. Never forget that Blount had already been suspended INDEFINITELY by the outgoing coach. Apparently the incoming coach values wins more than the integrity of the program. In reinstating Blount Oregon got what it deserved, a black eye for the program.

  • GoPsu (unverified)
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    I probably wouldve been as pissed maybe even hit someone after a taunting like that. as for backing away...it was him versus a whole football team. he should still be suspended but come u gotta expect something like that if ur gonna taunt someone after beating them

  • L (unverified)
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    To have Blount leave Idaho would be a shame to the justice system. What he did was illegal and as a adult, he should be acountable. I am disappointed in the way both teams handled the situation but there is obviously one player who went to far. He didn't manage to strike an officer because one of the assistant coaches jumped in the way. Good job saving your player from a felony. That at least says something for the coaching staff. My best wishes to the Ducks but, this is an instance that will sully their reputation, at bare minimum, for the season.

  • Bill McDonald (unverified)
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    I saw it live and at the end as the announcing team said goodnight, they mentioned that it had been an "inauspicious start" for the new Ducks coach. An inauspicious start? I mean I'm not opposed to a little understatement every now and then, but I'd say that was a hell of a lot worse than an "inauspicious start."

  • silverghost (unverified)
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    Trash talk is a fact of life on a football field. Fighting is NOT!! If he is not banned from football and loses his scholarship (this is his second BIG problem this year) get ready for the lawsuit and the possible criminal charge of assault that the Boise player could bring. It is time Belotti became a man and stood up to his employees (Head Coach) and his players and sets the tone for the rest of the year with a harsh example. But given what he did when HIS players were constantly in trouble 3 and 4 years ago it would be a surprise Nobody has mentioned the other fight between the Oregon players shown on National TV. Wasn't that priceless. What teamwork. If they had the same intensity during the game perhaps they might have won.

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    Bill, what are the odds that Blount becomes a punchline on late-night?

  • guyinboise (unverified)
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    I'm a BSU fan and was excited to see this game. Talk before the game was that it was great to see such a close game last year and the hope that it would be the same this year.

    People here are sick of some of the local rivalries and we were all talking about how an ongoing Broncos/Ducks rivalry would be awesome for all fans on both sides.

    Anyways, it sucks to see it boil down to this. The after party field events really tainted what should be a great future for Broncos/Ducks games.

    Although Blount's antics were lame, most of us agree that the Ducks are a great team and have a great program.

    Looking forward to the rematch!

  • Idaho (unverified)
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    Why does everybody keep saying that the Ducks played poorly? I was amazed they got 8 points against a clearly superior team not to mention they held the Broncos to only 19. As far as Blount obviously he should be kicked off the team (the Ducks have enough troubles) or maybe they should give him the option to be put in a ring with no helmet and nowhere to cowardly back peddle with Hout who is an Idaho native. (average people can't compete with Idahoans)

  • Bill McDonald (unverified)
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    Kari, That's a good question. It could have that "too ugly to go there" vibe. But any chance to make fun of the blue field is tough to pass up. Then there's the fact that the game sucked and what it had in the way of an East Coast audience couldn't have stuck around. So you have your reference issues. I hate to be cynical but what it really had going for it was the live shot. I think they happened to be on it live when Blount threw the punch, and Martin Scorsese couldn't have set the camera angle up any better.
    As punches between players go in any sport that was an absolute money shot. Time for another team meeting.

  • Yeppers (unverified)
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    Shoulda hit him harder imo

  • C Allen (unverified)
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    Umm, do people forget all the things Blount said about Boise and the trash talking he did before the game? Lot of people are saying "can you blame him for laying out a guy who was taunting him". Well, at I'll throw it back at you. Can you really blame the Boise player for taunting him after the game for all the crap Blount said before the game?

    You talk trash before a game, can't back it up...sorry, expect a little taunting from the other team after the other game. You deserve it. Eat crow, suck it up, deal with it. You don't punch another player because you are being taunted for something YOU started. Blount keeps his mouth shut, Blout doesn't get taunted by the Boise player.

    And the Boise player hit him first? Are you kidding? He patted him on the shoulder pad. It was probably done sarcastically with a comment along the lines of "Hey, thanks for the motivation!" or "Hey, yeah, looks like you really worked us over."

    No ground to punch somebody...especially when you were the one who brought it on by NOT backing up your trash talk.

  • Wamp Wamp (unverified)
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    One more time: IF VICK CAN PLAY, THIS KID CAN PLAY. Suck it up folks. Lets play some Football.

  • boisestatecommissioner (unverified)
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    He should be suspended indefinitely. If Blount goes unpunished, and does not have to deal with the consequences of his actions, then what kind of message would we be sending todays youth? That it's ok to start teeing off on someone if you are angry?

  • C Allen (unverified)
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    I'm sorry, I don't understand how Vick playing even relates to the topic/situation at hand with Blount. First off, nobody "let Vick play". Vick lost 2 years of his life, his team, his money, his rep. He didn't get away unpunished.

    So if you are arguing for Blount to be treated as Vick, as I assume you are when you say "IF VICK CAN PLAY, THIS KID CAN PLAY", then you have to apply it across the board. Which means this kid should lose his team, like Vick; be punished to the fullest extent of the law, like Vick; lose his money (scholarship), like Vick; and be suspended by the next team/school he plays for for 3 games. THEN...this kid can play.

    Vick playing now has nothing at all to do with the fact Blount should be punished.

    I also agree that the school need to help this kid, not just throw him to the side. The NFL has programs for anger and drug abuse, and I'd argue it is even more crucial to have said programs for boys becoming men in college. They need to do what they can to get him help, and if he's willing to accept that help, become a better person, then maybe they can look into having him back on the team NEXT year. Far as this year goes, he should be done. Blount has a dangerous anger that needs to be addressed. He didn't just punch a player. This kid was out of control. Get him help in life. That's 20x more important than his football career.

  • Quackquack (unverified)
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    The bigger news, UO is washed up after its first game.

  • Friday Nite Scout (unverified)
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    He should be done Period. He was suspended once already. He started the whole mess by running his mouth. He got a little of his own medicine and exploded. He is a punk. We'll see just how tough the Oregon administration is on this one. I have no faith in them doing the right thing and kicking him off the team. The "new" AD will make sure that he's back to play against USC and Cal.

  • tim (unverified)
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    let's not forget that blount was talking trash for an entire week before the game. in football, as with all competitive sports, trash talking is a sad reality. i guarantee that blount's heard worse trashtalk than he did from hout. he was just pissed because he looked like an idiot after talking trash for a week and then getting completely destroyed. ironically, he made himself look like a bigger idiot. kick him off the team and keep the ducks the classy.

  • Alex (unverified)
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    The only thing more shameful than that display, would be the act of leaving him on the team. It's repulsive to watch another human being act like that.

  • Peter Smith (unverified)
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    Hout was taunting, and physically pushed/touched Blount -- that's why his coach tried to pull him back, that's why he got dropped, and that's why he was looking away by the time finally landed. Thanks, coach.

    But this was Hout's doing. He brought it on himself. If you got a glass jaw, don't touch anybody else after the game. Pretty simple.

  • Vince Lombardi (unverified)
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    Blount really embarrassed the NCAA and negated the American Football Coaches Association goal for promoting sportsmanshp this weekend. His sucker punch was inexcuseable, but he also punched his own teammate too. Moreover, his subsequent behavior as he had to be escorted off the field was even more reprehensible, and it is a miracle that he did not start a riot. Oregon should do the right thing and boot Blount from the team --- especially given his past history of discplinary problems. If not, then the NCAA needs to step up to the plate and show that that it is not the NFL which tolerates criminal behavior by players just because of the money factor.

  • mdnomad (unverified)
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    I graduated from Oregon in 99... ah yes... the Akili Smith Joey Harrington years... I'm appalled by Blounts actions. He represents all ducks around the world... I want him out... OUT. A Zero Tolerance stand should be taken.

    Nonetheless, watching the video I cant help but chant LL Cool Jay's Momma Said Knock You Out. That punch didnt look that hard... and the dude went down in one? I bet hes gonna get a rousing from his team.

  • dirtynorwegian (unverified)
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    average people don't compare to Idahoans? hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahhaahhahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahaha....ha

  • C Allen (unverified)
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    "Hout was taunting, and physically pushed/touched Blount -- that's why his coach tried to pull him back, that's why he got dropped, and that's why he was looking away by the time finally landed. Thanks, coach.

    But this was Hout's doing. He brought it on himself. If you got a glass jaw, don't touch anybody else after the game. Pretty simple."

    Hout's doing? Did you not hear all the things Blount said, the taunting and trash talking before the game? Blount talks trash, gets taunted in return, sucker punches a guy, and it's Hout's fault? Ridiculous.

    I'm sure players pat/tap/slap other players in mock congrats all the time during games. I've heard it many times in the NFL with players that are mic'd up. And nobody ever responds by sucker punching in retaliation. The whole idea that touching somebody warrants a punch in the jaw is flat out stupid. Nothing about Hout's demeanor was threatening in the least. You know how many times I've been slapped/patted in mock congrats with comments "he, thanks for the sack" or "thanks for missing the block, player"? A lot. And never once did I consider punching them in the helmet-less jaw when they turned away.

    "He brought it on himself. If you got a glass jaw, don't touch anybody else after the game. Pretty simple."

    It's completely hypocricital to apply that to Hout and not Blount. Exact same thing can be said for Blount: if you got glass emotions, don't taunt anybody before the game, suck horribly during the game, and then punch somebody when they taunt you back. Pretty simple.

    Trash talking back and forth, battling with words, while not too classy to me, is still a far cry from physical violence.

    Sure, Hout should have left well enough alone. But what Hout did was innocent enough, and something you'll see flags thrown for many times during the season. Doubt you'll see anybody get sucker punched over it though.

  • Jeff Merrick (unverified)
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    O. J. Simpson without the yardage. I agree with Canzano - fire Blount. (I'm glad I missed the game for a crab feed). On the other hand, the kid who taunted him will think twice next time. Maybe he should be suspended for a game, too.

  • Joe White (unverified)
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    A 6 game suspension and a date before the judge for Battery. This should be handled at both levels for the player.

    The school should also be fined by the NCAA so that preventative measures will be taken in the future.

  • Eric (unverified)
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    If Byron Hout hadnt opened his big damn pie hole he wouldnt have gotten clocked. Welcome to the real world you delusional weenies. It is virtuous to turn the other cheek. Unfortunately not everyone in the world shares this value. Hout would be called an idiot for pulling a tiger by the tail and he is an idiot for provoking Legarette Blount assuming he would turn the other cheek. I bet he thinks twice about opening that Pie Hole of his again.

  • Joe White (unverified)
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    Interesting that this sports thread draws many more participants than the political threads.

    People seem to be much more interested in those that entertain them than in those that represent them.

  • Drew (unverified)
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    Ok, maybe not the best idea to punch the kid. But we did learn one thing from this game ... Boise State is really not that good. Oregon played terrible and was in the game the whole time. Where they in the game because Boise State was shutting them down ... only in the first half. Second half, Oregon blew it. If Boise State played anybody ... I mean ANYBODY, they might have a chance at the BCS. If they play like they did last night, no way they could hang with Georgia, Oklahoma, USC or anybody else in the top ten for that matter.

    As for the punch ... ehhh. So what. Suspend him. The NFL has Vick, Stallworth and a whole slew of idiots. So he punched a guy, so what. Who cares! Move on people! Get a life!

  • Murphy (unverified)
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    Punch? So what -- I want to know how he did on his European Philosophy final.

  • josh (unverified)
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    blount shouldnt have been talking crap.....but that doesnt give boise to talk back... all they need to do is prove oregon wrong on the field and leave it at that no need to talk back...i think oregons offense will do better with anre crenshaw anyway goducks!!!!!....

  • Phil Philiben (unverified)
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    Contrary to what's been said above "smack talking", and "trash talking" is illegal! It's all falls into the category of taunting and not only is it illegal and wrong during the game the rule also applies before and after the game. I'm not defending Blount's action and the U of O needs to cut him loose, send him packing. This is not this players first infraction and I seriously doubt if it will be his last, I just hope it's is last one while wearing a Ducks uniform.

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    I’ll note that while we debate Blount’s fate on BO that former Board of Higher Ed member John von Schlegell wrote (8/25/09) Governor K a public letter presenting eight steps that "must happen if we want higher education in this state to survive, let alone thrive and excel." The Oregonian covered it (here) and editorialized on it (here). I commented on it here.

    Maybe BO should pay as much attention to the survival of higher ed in Oregon as it does to he survival (or not) of one player on one of its football teams.

    My own view is that Schlegell’s letter leaves a lot of questions unanswered and the next step in considering his proposals is to have him present his ideas before a legislative interim committee. Maybe Blount could appear as a character witness to get the public's attention.

  • Kurt Chapman (unverified)
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    I predict the event will be memorialized as in "watch out or I'll go Blount on ya!".

    the entire event was sordid and unsporting. I watched happen on TV live. Yes, the Boise player taunted him, that's what happens when you shoot your mouth of in SI and then fail to back it up on the field.

    The sucker punch was bad enough, but going after team mates trying to calm you, then being physically restrained from going after Boise fans, finally culminted by being hauled into the tunnel by 2 police officers, 2 security guards and an Oregon asst. coach caps it all. Had Blount played with half that intensity there would have been no safety and he would have had good yardage.

    I'm no duck fan, and will watch closely to see what Kelly and Belotti do. Anything less than indefinite suspension makes the ducks the laughingstock of NCAA. then of course there are those pesky alleged assualts to deal with....

  • CMK08 (unverified)
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    Peter are you freaking serious? Blount is a piece of garbage. Trash talk and taunting is part of football. If Blount can't take a little trash talk he has no room to dish it out. People like him make me absolutely hate watching sports now. If you talk trash its fine with me. But when someone talks it back to you don't sucker punch them in the jaw.

  • Bill37 (unverified)
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    [Racist crap deleted. -editor.]

  • Kurt Slipsager (unverified)
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    Not every athlete is willing or able to deal with a team leadership role (see Rasheed Wallace). Coach Kelly will have to decide if he can take the spotlight off of Blount and salvage the young man's college career. A suspension is in order and maybe some anger management counselling as well.

  • Christie (unverified)
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    Blount should be gone. Period. Tell him to go play for Miami. On an even more sour note, Kelly better get a hold of his team TODAY. Did anyone else see the pushing and trash talking on the Oregon sideline by Oregon players of each other?

    We need some leadership here and we need it TODAY.

  • DeepBlue (unverified)
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    WAMP WAMP, you didn't put too much thought in your very shallow post regarding Vick. It seems you are suggesting that Blount loses everything, at least for a few years, before being reinstated.

    Regarding Blount, I think after that punch, all his anger was focused on the fact that he just screwed up his life. So many people these days just react and don't think about the consequences. It took a lot of discipline for those blue shirts to not attack him. It would have been a natural reaction to jump all over Blount but those guys are thinking, "It's not worth it... I don't want to be suspended... I don't want to be suspended." Smart!

  • Ian Kinard (unverified)
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    From a Ducks fan's standpoint, actions certainly were reprehensible. I can maybe see how he might have lost it if the guy said something about his recently deceased aunt or something racist (convenient that Boise coach didn't hear what he said when he was standing right there watching and listening), something deep-seated like that - Blount has a reputation for this behavior and Idaho has a nasty reputation for harboring serious race problems. All that considered it is really hard to see how this guy should remain on the team, in the NCAA system. Its a privilege he doesn't deserve. Plus you know Uncle Phil isn't going to tie his brand to that kind of behaviour.

  • jack (unverified)
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    A word of warning to future Duck opponents. If this animal is still on the team have a tranquilizer gun or two handy.

  • MikeW (unverified)
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    There's no place for suckering punching an opposing player in the NCAA. Suspend for a year, or kick him off the team. Nothing less in my eyes.

    Then again, it all comes down to the Oregon coaching staff's morals and team rules. Do they allow that type of behavior, or do they not.

    I bet they will.

  • Rich Taylor (unverified)
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    I am just amazed after so much talk about how Boise State threw a couple cheap shots last year (during the game which were properly penalized), that an Oregon player who talked trash publicly can't handle himself after the game. I understand it sucks to rush for -5 yards on a WAC team who was trying to keep you in it with numerous mistakes, but a sucker punch.

    If I punched someone I would be in the Boise jail sleeping it off.

  • Kara (unverified)
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    I agree that he should be kicked off the team. But show the entire situation, not just the punches. There is more to the story.

  • Joe Noonan (unverified)
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    If Kelly lets Blount back on the field I'd fire him as head coach. If Oregon gives him a diploma they should be discredited as a University. I would have let that poor excuse for a football player walk home! It's about more than scoring points, especially in college. Let him play pro in Philly. Him and Vick could be buddies. WHAT A LOOSER!

  • Thomas Jones (unverified)
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    This guy was in the heat of battle with his adrenaline flowing a thousand miles an hour...this stuff happens, especially with competitors...will leave this up to the coaches.

  • Paul (unverified)
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    Nationally Disgraced... No question, Blount should be suspended a minimum of 4 games, although I personally think he should be kicked off the team.

    Despite a terrible performance, I give the Ducks a lot of credit for opening on the road against a very good team in such a tough environment.

    I find the statemante "This is the Pac-10 for pete's sake, not the SEC or Miami!" interesting. Why such hatred for the SEC? When was the last time one of their football players sucker punched an opponent.

    I'm not a USC fan, however displays and performances like this make the PAC 10 look very bad and prevent USC from playing for the National Championship...

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    I want zebra jerseys and fields for all Oregon teams. They can use their own colors.

  • Joshua Welch (unverified)
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    Don't want to get too off topic here, but seems like an appropriate time to bring up the over-glorification of sports in America. The number of comments on this relatively minor issue (I'm not saying it's not worth discussing) reflects the sports fanaticism in a country where over half of it's citizens can't name one branch of government. I can find much more Duck-knowledge on the streets of Eugene than civic knowledge. In my former upstate NY home, the great athlete always received much more positive community attention than the great student. Sports are an important part of society but they must take a backseat to what matters most.

  • Joshua Welch (unverified)
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    I forgot to say, I think Blount assault charges should be pressed and he should be benched for at least one year. We need to have zero-tolerance policies for violence on and off the field.

  • Jeff Pinney (unverified)
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    Lagarratte Blount is a punk. Folks talking about one or four game suspensions are silly...He needs to be kicked off the team and out of the university permanently. While the Boise State player learned a valuable lesson about talking trash without your helmet on, Blount's sucker punch was disgraceful....it was obvious he couldn't compete straight up with those guys, so the sucker punch was his frustrated solution....He might have gotten off with a four game suspension if he had stopped there, but he then proceeded to punch his own teammates and then went after the fans in the stands. I actually wish he had made it into the stands where he would have eventually been pummelled and sucker punched himself. Bye Bye Blount....next time he's heard from will be on a police blotter....Maurice Clarett anyone?????

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    On the upside of what we can learn from this, I now dream of zebra jerseys and fields for all Oregon teams. We should think about that. Seriously. They can use their own colors.

  • Tom W. McKay (unverified)
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    Kelly was unwise in re-instating the thug. Does Blount really go to classes and demonstrate that he is also a student? It is time for Oregon and other schols as well to quit pampering thugs and file criminal charges when it is evident a criminal act has occurred. Kelley apparently caved in to the necessity of winning and let the thug write crap on the chalkboard and then can't even discipline his own team. Kelley is out of order and that was evident throughout the game. He wanted the head coaching job but went morally backwards to try and accomplish some wins. He isn't ready by a long shot as millions of viewers can attest to. Back in the 70's I did my utmost to bring criminal acts by athletes to justice in my area. I did and though the bowl team was broken up, campus crime decreased significantly. However, the university president, some coaches and some alumni were very upset. Too bad, do you want your young teenagers attending college for the first time to be at the mercy of thugs who are on a free ride and all over the USA commit numerous crimes, many brushed under the carpert for the good of football, basketball, or whatever sport the thugs play in? It isn't just Blount folks, it has even happened at Notre Dame. For me, no more slaps on the wrist, no more DUI's by coaches (Duh Billie Gillespie) and players going unpunished; No more bloodshed being painted as just a little scuffle over a girl, reaction to being taunted, gang-related, or even drug-induced violence. We need to keep our campus' safe and games like football clean with academic athletes, not street thugs that make coaches and bad ilk famous and society dangerous. Years ago college was a place of higher learning not a playground for psychotic degenerates. As for Blount, kick him out of school,charge him with criminal assault and battery, and the NCAA should ban him forever. Don't worry, there is a perfect sport out there for the thug, it is called MMA. He can get his real kicks and sucker punches in that sport, right?

  • Paul Williams (unverified)
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    You guys.....these are going to be professional players. Let's say the Boise said something about his mother. His sister. His crippled brother-in-law on his step fathers side. What did the fans say? Did they say he did it with farm animals? I doubt it. Other players and fans giving you crap is part of the deal. It is going to happen. Is Mr. Blount going to punch out everyone that insults him? What would happen to a 2 year old that punched a kid for taking his Legos? If he frequents the local "Sip and Save" liquor store and the cahier over charges him or someone took the last bottle of Mo-Fo 44 oz malt liquor is he going to bash the guy over the head with the bottle? He would have hit a cop had he not been restrained. He is to be removed from the team...period. I don't care if he is O.J. Simpson...OK bad comparison, he is going to be a role model for our children. Professional atheletes get paid a lot of money and part of that is public relations. This guy is bad news and it will repeat over and over. Anger management will not aid in that type of insane anger and loss of control. PS: I hear that The "Ultimate Fighter" gig is looking for a few insane men.

  • Jeremy Waldon (unverified)
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    The University of Oregon can have a million different ugly uniforms but their true colors showed last night. Can you say football factory? No way that Blount character goes to class. What an idiot. Here's a guy who is talking trash all week about asss whoopin's, etc. The actual game starts and he doesn't even show up. 14 total yards of offense in the half. Pathetic. I think Chip Kelly is way over his head and I would hope this sucker punching running back gets suspended for the year. None of these players are even from Oregon... just a football factory with a rich daddy. Sad.

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    On the upside of what we can learn from this, I now dream of zebra jerseys and fields for all Oregon teams. We should think about that. Seriously. They could use their own colors.

    I’m part Viking and part Duck, but an Oregonian first.

    Oh yeah, and that was really bad – hitting that guy after the game.

  • Jim Spencer (unverified)
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    Blount is a thug and a punk. It's o.k. for him to trash talk prior to the game but unexceptable to be on the receiving end after Boise hands the Ducks their lunch? Based on his previous problems Oregon would be smart and classy to release him before he is incvolved in a Saturday night shooting. Message to Ducks: Recruit character first.

  • Tony (unverified)
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    You stated in the article that the other player was "trash talking".

    Show me the evidence. For all we know he was patting Blount on the shoulder and saying "Good game man".

    You lose.

  • RyanLeo (unverified)
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    The worst thing out of all of this is the Ducks fans on this blog defending Blount's actions. Were you all defending Ron Artest when he was punching players and fans @ The Palace in Detroit? I want some honesty, not some back-pedaling bullcrap that lays more blame on Boise State talking trash after thumping a pathetic team.

    Blount and Ron Artest have a lot in common. They are both uneducated thugs whom you could not tell were athletes if they were in the prison orange jumpsuits

    Blount, if not expelled, will be suspended for the entire season. The Ducks were going nowhere this season anyways.

    Blount is a shame and anyone who defends his actions is a pathetic disgrace of a Duck fan. With fans like you, it is no wonder that dispassionate observers like myself cannot stand your program, your ugly colors and your stupid little Donald the Duck wannabe mascot.

  • Greg D. (unverified)
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    I blame Blount's conduct on the fact that he is no doubt suffering from self-loathing attributable to his affiliation with U of O. And I can certainly understand why he and anyone else involved with U of O could, should and would feel that way.

    Go Huskies.

  • adrian (unverified)
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    I think he will get kicked off the team period, i dont give a rip on what anyone says. What goes around comes around. pride also comes before a fall (19-8)

  • genop (unverified)
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    Looks like roid rage to me. Drug test him to confirm then boot him. Obviously the roids didn't enhance his performance in the game.

  • adrian (unverified)
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    blount shoda thought before he acted you dork.

  • OSUfan (unverified)
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    Okay, first, yes I am an OSU fan, and loved it that the Ducks got embarrassed by Boise State during the game. But more importantly I got embarrassed watching Blount's action after the game. You are probably asking yourself, Why were you embarrassed, shouldn't you be rejoicing that the Ducks could lose their star tailback for the season? No, I was embarrassed because I was watching the game with my eight year old son and he had watch what was probably one of the ugliest moments in sports I have ever seen!!

    You see he has just started playing Pop Warner football and he wanted to watch the game so he could, "see how the big guys play." Well ,now he knows how the "big guys" play the game. He asked me questions, like why did he hit the other guy? And is that okay to do after a game? I quickly responded no, and explained that the actions of Blount were very wrong and that type of action had no business being part of football. But you know what?? The damage was already done. My son was a watching the game to see how to play the game - remember this is still a game!!

    My son and I had real good talk about sportsmanship and what it means to be a good winner, and a good loser. We talked about that it is okay to play hard against your opponent, but you play fair and respect their efforts and them as a person after the competition ends. I think I got my points through to my son, but he saw what he saw.

    We talked some more this morning about it and he wanted to know what was going to happen to the player that threw the punch. I told him I don't know, but then I asked him what do you think should happen? He said, "He should be kicked off the team, told to issue a written apology to the other player he hit and have to tell his Mom why he did it." (You see, in the mind of an eight year old having to tell your parents why you did something is a real punishment.) But you know what my son got it right. Blount should be kicked off the team, he should have to apologize to the player and he should have to talk to his Mom!!

    Removing him from the program is the only right thing to do. I would want Mike Riley and the Beavers to do it to any OSU player who acted in the same fashion. These student/athletes need to understand that sportsmanship is important. They need to understand that they are being watched and how they act reflects on them, their teammates and their school. They also need to understand that younger players and non-players are watching their actions and will value what they do. The Duck athletic department needs to know that their actions are being watched too! Blount needs to go! We need to show that type of action is not allowed and that when it occurs the penalties for will be swift and severe!

    It is a really sad day for college football in Oregon. I am embarrassed for the sport! I considered this a teachable moment with my son. I just wish the moment would not have occurred.

  • KJ (unverified)
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    Two wrongs do not make a right. Back when I was a recreation leader at public facility I had a policy that both participants in a fight got penalized. I knew that I would never get to the bottom of who started it. Participating in a fight was wrong. In this case it sure looks like the Bronco player laid hands on Blount first (helmet and shoulder pad hits) -- that is one assault and battery. Then Blount retaliates -- another assault and battery. Both guys were in the wrong. The video clip that is being circulated does not show the initial hit by the Bronco player who ran up to Blount and started the fracas. Both players were in the wrong and both should be punished.

    There is also a racial element in this story that is not being openly discussed. A white player started it -- and if he used racial slurs (the "n" word) against a black player he should be censured for unacceptable language and unsportsmanlike conduct. Racism is not acceptable on the playing field.

  • Yeppers (unverified)
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    It's hilarious how so many posters refer to his actions as 'gang banging' and yet wouldn't had it been a white player hitting another white player. Pathetic.

  • Idaho (unverified)
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    I keep hearing from some of these threads how hout deserved to get sucker punched WTF? What we know is that Blount trash talked publicly before the game and it appeared throughout, by your reasoning he should recieve multiple cheap shots for running his mouth off. Besides for all we know Hout could have said nice try better luck next year. Additionally to those that say it wasn't a sucker punch then why was Blount practically running?

  • Mark (unverified)
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    @Ian Kinard

    You are an idiot.

    "Idaho has a nasty reputation for harboring serious race problems."

    An entire state is racist.. because of one little tiny compound that was around for a couple years before being removed.. Dare I assume you hold some deep seated resentment against white folks? Instead of talking trash about an entire state, why not deal with the fact that your team lost, your player lost his head and hopefully he'll lose his season.. if not whole college football career. The race card is a cheap out, it is a nasty little tool that small people use.. don't be small Ian. Be a grizzly bear, not a gummy bear.

  • Husky (unverified)
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    U of O is an educational institute that accepted Blount as a student. It should educate him. Suspend him from team for the season. He keeps his scholarship, Require him to take a full credit load and get a 3.0 average. Require Mental health counseling. He can get back on team next season. If he's there for an education, to better himself and represent the school honorably, he'll accept this discipline. If he's there for NFL training, I suspect he'll chose to leave on his own.

    By the way; is Chip Kelly = Jim Lambright?

  • Oh haha (unverified)
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    So many panties in a bunch over a punch!

    I laugh.

  • Josh (unverified)
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    First off I think it's horrible that the video linked does not show the previous 5-10 secs of the clip. Sure I'm a Duck fan but in context that reaction was natural if some one hits or shoves you then continues to talk ish.... what do you think will happen... Sure he should of kept walking but it wasn't like he just snapped and said "oh *$&% this guy look like he needs to be hit". the boise guy talked trash and blount shut him up. as per punishment, a game MAYBE.... people calling for anything other then that are just foolish... now ... if he had just straight clocked some one just cause. sure i would be for stronger punishment... but come one people... grow up and realize men should not be taught to act like pansies

  • UO Student (unverified)
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    Yea he should not be allowed to play the rest of the season because of what he did. However, look at what these college football players have to look up to: Vick getting millions of dollars after what he did? Great role models. And as a peer of Blount's, I can tell you that we are educated at the UO and you can a get a virtual tour of the millions of dollars that is being spent on the new athletic student center. Oh and great job editing the first clip to look like he was throwing a sucker punch because if you watched the whole game, the other guy pushed first but nothing will happen to him, right?!

  • Husky (unverified)
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    OK. Here's the seconds before the sucker punch. Looks like the Boise player didn't commit assault, said a couple of words. The Boise coach wasn't pulling him away from Blount as if he knew it was improper (He's clapping with his players).

    http://msn.foxsports.com/video/CFB?vid=41ebaafe-d619-4cb8-bea5-ba79870d2176&GT1=39002

    Its totally irresponsible to even imply, or "guess" that the Boise player, or fans "may" have said something racist, without a shred of evidence. Once you say that, others pick up on it, repeat it, and someone down the line infers that there IS some evidence, somewhere.

    Blount shot his mouth off. The Boise players and fans rubbed his nose in it. He reacted violently. Is that so hard to understand?

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    Blount should be suspended for 3 games minimum. But BSU's Hout should be suspended for at least one game too.

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    "An entire state is racist.. because of one little tiny compound that was around for a couple years before being removed."

    Idaho has a lot more racists and eliminationists than one tiny compound. Like WA and OR (but moreso), Idaho is home to a whole bunch of dangerous wingnuts. The whole state isn't racist of course, but racist activity thrives in Idaho.

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    Something was bothering me about all the righteousness on this topic, and I couldn't figure out what it was--until I read someone referring to Blount's "uncontrollable anger." Right--because everyone knows the rule on the football field is to exhibit only CONTROLLED anger. The point of the game, particularly for the defense, is in many ways to hit your opponent as hard as you possibly can, in as painful a way as you possibly can. You aren't going to be a star in football unless you possess a "killer instinct"--and the line between figurative and literal is rather small.

    There's no question Blount was out of control and should suffer some discipline, but let's save the moral anguish. Cut blocks and clotheslines, and even actual fighting--pushing, shoving, punching between players after a play-- are apparently just fine during the game, or at least considered a part of the game that is not beyond the pale if not strictly allowed under the rules. But throw a punch after an opponent lays his hands on you after the game--OMG! Criminal! Give me a break. The idea that someone might experience a violent outburst during a football game--why, I just can't fathom!

    I love football. LOVE it. But it's a violent sport played by violent men, and they are encouraged and paid to be as violent as possible. That the league has established parameters of acceptable violence may be true, but you can't throw 90 chemically enhanced young men at each other in hard physical contact, and then be shocked when that violence has a tendency to carry over.

    Dispense the discipline for acting outside the rules. But spare me the moral outrage. The BSU player deliberately violated Blount's personal space, and to call what happened next a "sucker punch" is disingenuous IMO. If this had happened on the street outside Greek Cusina last night, one slap and one punch, would the nation be fulminating so? Doubtful. (Admittedly, taking a swing at one of the Po-Pol in front of Greek Cusina would probably get you a night at the Multnomah Graybar Hotel).

  • hakuna matata (unverified)
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    [Racist crap deleted. -editor.]

  • Old Ducker (unverified)
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    Im a rabid Duck fan and a U of O alum. Had Blount just punched the player, it could be forgiven (after a few games suspension). Going after fans is over the line. He needs to be kicked off the team. Its too bad because not only is his collegiate career in doubt but also his NFL one. Neverthess it must be done for lots of reasons not the least of which is recruiting. Parents will not let their kids come to a school if they believe they won't be supervised and their behavior controlled.

    I had high hopes for this season, but no more. What a horrible start on Chip Kelly's career.

  • Amy (unverified)
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    Go Boise State!!!

  • eric cantona (unverified)
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    Blount's been suspended for the year by the Ducks:

    http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindducksbeat/2009/09/oregons_legarrette_blount_susp.html

    as an alum, and a big fan of the football team for 25 years i have to say this is very, very welcome news. Blount is a cancer. i sincerely hope he gets the help he needs, but he cannot on any way represent the school ever again.

  • Jim Roake (unverified)
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    How depressing to again realize how many idiots are out there. C.mon the guy tapped Bount on the pads to get his attention, an action most of us do everyday and some idiots deem it assault.

    Yep, Idaho is full of racists and that's why Bosie State has so many black players on the team and then because there are so many rascists in Idaho , they all fill the stadium because they hate blacks.Yep, that makes sense all right. Racists don't fill stadiums to watch sports that has a substantial number of blacks playing. Sometimes people make mistakes and do wrong things... its not racial... that's just how it is... accept it don't spin it.

    As long as we have people willing to play the race card for any situation they don't like.... we will always have a problem because they are the problem

  • WSU FAN (unverified)
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    I would have to agree exactly with the Univeristy of Oregon did. His actions caused lots of negative attention to be directed at one of the nations better football programs, not only does it hurt UO but it also gives a false image of the the PAC 10. However I would like to point out a few things I believe to be wrong that people have already posted before. 1. Stop with the whole criminal act and he should go to jail and what not. Although he did punch him, there is a whole story and its not like Blount came up to him, singled him out and threw a punch for no reason, there is always two sides to a story. 2. Previous commenters have said that all he did was smack talk and that is still legal. Let me point out something here, everyone is saying how unsportsman Blount was, and even though a punch is unsportsman like conduct so is smack talking. I do believe that Boise State University should sit down withe their player and talk with hii. I believe they both owe each other a apology.

    Now dissmissing that part of the act, when Blount was on his way to the locker room, did anyone notice the three guys right on the edge of the bleachers who were yelling and taunting him and personnel was already trying to hold the fans back. Fans and players both need the remember that this is college football, where coaches are trying to achieve team success and turn inmature football players into honest responsible men who either continue on in football or contribute to society, I beleive that some of the fans that taunted him are at just as much at blame as Blount.

    Dont just pin it on one man, remember there is always a driving force!

  • Oregon student (unverified)
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    Another "thug" who thinks he is above all. Happy to see the University Of Oregon suspend him for the year, otherwise the NCAA would of done it. LaGarrette Blount with the help of counselors and some anger management classes will have to realize his football days are over after college. Time for him to concentrate on academics.

  • BigBlack (unverified)
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    [Racist crap deleted. -editor.]<!--This guy is obviously a genius, and would have scored a 28 on the Wonderlic no doubt.

    Way to throw away a NFL future. Well, there is always a rap career (those are the only options niggers limit themselves too).

    Fuck you, nigger.-->

  • albrunomd (unverified)
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    No way, what was he thinking? Is he on something? Is he losing his mind for real? Maybe he has been stressed…???

  • RyanLeo (unverified)
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    Torridjoe,

    If you want to point out the utter hypocrisy of college fans and their teams as "self righteousness," then go ahead.

    I got my Bachelor's at Southern Oregon University and my Master's at Portland State University. I did attend my first term as a freshman at Oregon State University, but I never came to love the school and I sure as hell did not like the atrocious sea of black and orange every Saturday morning in the fall when I woke up early to get groceries.

    I am guessing that you are a graduate from either UO or OSU, which would explain you turning the other cheek to this situation. I understand, one of my best friends from Portland State was a graduate from Ohio State University and he loved Ohio State University more than his family (at times). To him and many other fans, their college can do no wrong and is always the victim of the "system." LOL.

    I just find it pathetic and angering when people rage over what Ron Artest did a few years back, yet somehow try to rationalize Blount's same behavior.

    Lets not forget, if the security was not holding him back, then he would have been punching fans just like Ron Artest was doing in Detroit when he was wearing a Pacer's uniform.

    Granted this is his second offense. Back in February 2009, Blount was suspended indefinitely for "failure fulfill team obligations." Blount was given a chance at redemption and he chose the path of Ron Artest last night.

    Kick Blount out of school because if his past actions are an indicator, then he is going to make Maurice Clarett look like an angel.

  • alex (unverified)
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    Anyone who makes any reference to the fact that he backed up is an idiot. You are saying how terrible it was that he punched him, and then saying its terrible to back away? Would you rather he stayed there and continued to fight? That would be more appropriate? Thats what wrong with this country today. People need to be accountable for their actions, Blount should be suspended. But the trash talking idiot from Boise got what he deserved.

  • Kylie (unverified)
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    Blount told Chip Kelly that Hout called him a racially derogatory name which prompted Blount to hit him. Whether he did for sure or not we can't say. Even if he did it is no reason to resort to violent outbursts. The fan in the crowd walked up to Blount and said, "F*** you!" This prompted him to go after the Boise State fans but once again you can't let words decide such violent actions.

    Blount has been suspended for the rest of the season but is still in the program. While I do not agree with his actions I feel sorry for him and would like to think that Hout(from the winning team) would not resort to such a low blow.

    I hope we can all continue to embrace good sportsmanship and put this behind us in future games.

  • C Allen (unverified)
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    People who are crying for criminal action to be taken need to understand how it works. The only person that controls whether or not criminal action will be taken is Byron Hout. Unless Hout files a complaint and presses charges--which, as stated clearly by the Boise PD spokeswoman--he did not, there's nothing criminally anybody pursue. Only Hout can press charges as far as I understand it. I'm not sure how the situation changes from that of a standard citizen, being that it was a school event, etc, but I'm pretty sure it's the same.

    And I agree; Hout should have at least got a game for his actions. While not horrible in itself, and something you see almost every game, his actions led to the preceding events.

    Far as all the political talk...heh, I didn't even know this was a political website. I only popped in to talk sports. And as for why people are more passionate about sports than politics. Simple; sports are an escape from the hardships of life. As was stated, sports are a "minor" thing, and that is exactly why people love sports so much. Unlike politics, they can enjoy it, have opinions, relax, cheer, have fun, all the while knowing that whatever happens in sports, as a fan, won't change your life.

    It's a lot easier to sit back and decide which shirt you're going to wear for the day, because whatever you choose, it's insignificant. It's not going to affect lives. Deciding which college you want to go to, which career path you will take, who to marry...those choices drain us, they are life-changing. Politics are a serious business, and after dealing with their lives, hardships, marriage, kids, work, bills, etc, a lot of people just don't have the energy to talk/decide on such severe things.

    They can, however sit back and enjoy/talk sports, because it's a mindless escape from the every day grind. It's not serious at all. It doesn't keep me up at night because it's not affecting nations and the world and my country. I'd go crazy if I gave anything more than a fleeting thought towards politics in my free time. I just don't have the energy to do it. And unless I have time to fully educate myself with politics, my casual opinions would be made of ignorance. As far as I'm concerned, no opinion at all would be much better than an ignorant opinion when it comes to politics.

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    Nope, didn't go to either school, and I'm not excusing the behavior--I'm fine with the discipline meted out. My point is the larger one; should we be surprised and shocked that someone got violent while involved in a violent pursuit? Artest's situation isn't quite the same to me; basketball is a very physical sport, especially down low, but contact is still generally a foul. You don't play if you make too much contact. In football, you don't play if you don't make ENOUGH contact. Point being, football players are being trained to hit and punish their opponents. That Blount failed to maintain his trained violence within the "accepted" parameters of the game is unfortunate and shows a need for greater discipline...but I just can't weep and clutch a tissue over it. It's a sports story, but it's being treated like a national story.

  • conspiracyzach (unverified)
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    A couple other videos (shot by fans in the crowd) showing other angles of the incident are posted here in the favorites section: www.youtube.com/luddite333

  • Genyus (unverified)
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    This young man apparently has a problem and needs help.

  • t_rider (unverified)
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    For the record, BSU coach Peterson DID in fact grab and attempt to stop Hout the MOMENT he opened his mouth to Blount. He was certainly not "clapping with the team" at that point. In fact, that is why Hout was not facing Blount when he was punched; he was listening to Coach Peterson.

  • highiufhjphif (unverified)
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    nigger

  • lol (unverified)
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    <h2>hout took that punch like glass joe. That look on his face when he got smacked is so funny.</h2>

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