After a hard fought game on Thursday night, Oregon RB LeGarrette Blount made an otherwise forgettable game one that will be remembered all season. Boise State continued their home dominance with a 19-8 victory over the Ducks which was capped off with Blount's regrettable decision to punch Bronco DE, Bryan Hout. Even worse was Blount's tantrum that caused state police to drag him off of the field and force him into the locker room. Many have criticized Oregon's decision to suspend Blount for the entirety of the 2009 season, but he is deserved of this punishment. Hout's post-game taunting may have cause Blount to go on this tirade, but it is certainly no excuse. He put many players and fans in danger when he decided to start throwing fisticuffs. He even pushed one of his own teammates who was trying to hold him back from embarrassing himself of national television.
Now, I'm not saying that Mr. Blount should be charged with assault. Sucker punching someone isn't the worst offense in the world. It's just something an asshole would do. The University of Oregon did the right thing by suspending Blount from the football team. From recent reports, Blount has decided to remain in school and finish out the year. I have to respect his decision to continue his education in spite the fact that his future in football remains in doubt. Hout's decision to brag and touch Blount on the pads caused him to get popped in the jaw. Blount could have easily walked away from the Boise State player without hitting him. Even after the punch, he could have just walked off the field into the locker room. But it took cops and teammates to subdue his angry tantrum. Oregon's decision to take care of the problem swiftly was the smartest one they could have made.
