Sucker Punched: What Was Missed?
After suffering an ugly 19-8 loss at the hands of Boise State Broncos, LaGarrette Blount decided to use his hands to make the whole ordeal even uglier. His punishment has been determined, but there was much more that we missed.
The Set-up:
Blount, a member of the 2009 Walter Camp Award watch list, is coming off a breakout 2008 season where he rushed for 1,000 yds and 17 TDs and is Oregon’s best player since Dennis Dixon. Prior to the Boise State game, Blount was rumored to have engaged in some trash talking regarding the Broncos and their matchup. As the end of the game winds down and the outcome is no longer in doubt, the game becomes a little more chippy and Blount himself was invovled in some minor shoving matches. Nothing major and nothing out of the ordinary in any other tight and heated game.
After the final seconds ticked away, as the coaches are walking up to shake hands, the real action begins. Byron Hout, a Boise State Defensive End, runs by, hits Blount on the shoulder, and says something to set him off. Boise State head coach grabs Hout, no doubt in order to discipline him. Blount immediately turns and punches Hout in the jaw, causing him to fall like a ton of bricks. I’ve never seen a one punch knockout like that outside the context of MMA or Boxing. It was an immediate drop.
As Oregon players and coaches begin to pull him away it is clear that he doesn’t appreciate their help. Pushing and Shoving teammates and yelling “Get Off Me!” he begins to walk to the locker room. At this point the fans are really giving it to him. Clearly, someone says something to him that sets him off even further. He begins charging the students and has to be restrained by two police officers, a coach, two players at one point and a couple of members from event security. While it is all reprehensible, you’d think he would stop at this point. But no, he keeps struggling with the cops, continually yelling “Get Off Me” and trying to push them away. He could’ve been arrested or even tasered for not cooperating with the officers.
The Aftermath:
Fittingly, Blount was suspended for the remainder of the season. Oregon will continue to keep him on scholarship, which will allow him to practice with the team, but also allows this young man to focus on the real reason he is at Oregon. Education. It is my belief that Oregon coach Chip Kelly took into consideration Blount’s previous shortcomings and the whole event not just the punch in his decision. I commend him for that, but also commend him for leaving Blount on scholarship. One mistake of this caliber should not destroy his academic career, though it may have destroyed his professional football career.
What Was Missed:
While, I agree with the year suspension for Blount. I also think there should be some other punishments handed down.
Byron Hout – 1 game and community service:
Clearly, the taunting of Blount led to the meltdown and there is no room for that in collegiate sports. I understand that trash talking is part of the game. But after the game is over, let the scoreboard do the talking. While I don’t condone Blount’s actions, until we know what Hout said to him, I can’t argue that it wasn’t deserved. Boise State’s Chris Peterson isn’t suspending Hout.
Guy in the Stands – Banned from Boise State games for season:
Watch the video below and you will see @ 0:40 a guy in his late 30′s or early 40′s (he’s actually pictured in the screenshot below, between blount and the blonde Oregon guy) stand up above the crowd and drop an F-bomb directed at Blount. Blount’s attention was on the younger blonde gentleman who was, no doubt, saying some very nice and supportive things. As Blount runs up towards the younger guy, the older man comes running through the crowds (0:47 below) and meets him at the barrier and swings. Using my DVR, i can slow down the video and its clear that this guy hits (though lightly) Blount on the face. While Blount’s actions were despicable, the fans clearly crossed the line too. This guy should be banned from Boise State games for the rest of the year.
Boise State Head Coach Chris Peterson:
While I understand protecting your players, Peterson claims he did not hear what Hout said to spark Blount off. Well if you watch the video below, Peterson clearly grabs Hout and begins yelling at him for taunting Blount. I find it hard to believe that he reacted that strongly because Hout tapped the opposing teams shoulder pads. In his discussions with the University and the Pac10 if Peterson did not disclose what was said then he should be fined, or made to do community service outreach.
This was a very ugly situation, hopefully these young men learn from their mistakes and can grow. Below is the Video from ESPN.
Agree? Disagree? Send us your feedback!
Blount just should be thankful he wasnt arrested….but the punishment fits…and now he has a chance to finish his education, if thats what he was there for…..
September 6th, 2009 at 7:58 pm