The State of the Oregon Duck Football Program

This past season and now well into the off-season, the Oregon Duck's football program has experienced some significant problems with regard to player behavior.  Let's take a look at the incident that many people think started the behavioral issues.

Legarrette Blount made headline's everywhere by punching a Boise State football player after a tough loss, essentially blind-siding the opposing player with a sucker punch that landed him an 8 game suspension by Oregon head coach Chip Kelly.  On top of that, Blunt also was seen after the punch yelling and trying to fight fans at Boise State.  Chip Kelly initially made a very strong statement by suspending the running back for the entire season, but in what critics are now calling a detrimental move to team discipline, he reinstated Blunt after 8 games.

Critics are now citing this reinstatement as a detrimental move to the program, as four Oregon players have been arrested in the last three weeks.  Let's examine what the reinstatement of Blunt did:

Let's make an assumption here; Blunt's athletic ability did have an impact on his reinstatement.  Consider this - if a backup punter had acted the same way, is there any chance that the player would be reinstated?  Never.  Instead he would be marked as an example, a scapegoat, plain and simple.  The fact that Blunt had the potential to help Oregon down the home stretch did lead to his return to the team, and sent a very bad message to players - if you make a mistake, but are a talented player, we'll give you a second chance.  Since that incident, the following incidents have occurred:

• Players allegedly involved in a brawl or retaliation for brawl. [Rob Beard, Mike Bowlin, Matt Simms].
• Player allegedly beat up girlfriend. [LaMichael James]. 
• Player arrested for allegedly driving under the influence. [Kiko Alonso]. 
• Player dismissed after publicly challenging Chip Kelly's authority. [Jamere Holland].
• Players accused - but not charged - in stealing items from fraternity house. [Jeremiah Masoli, Garrett Embry].

The state of Oregon football is in trouble, that is for certain.  Chip Kelly better get a grip on his team, and quick, or we could see boosters calling for his head.  

There should be a clear set of rules for all academic students putting on a uniform, these are college students, not professional athletes.  Putting on that uniform is a privilege, not a right.  If Kelly does not lay down some hard-and-fast guidelines for his program, Oregon will become a laughing stock. 

Here are a few links on the Duck's various problems:

Oregon football: Chip Kelly's interview with John Canzano (audio) 

Oregon’s troubles are traceable to ‘the punch’ 

Oregon football: Which allegation against the Ducks troubles you most? (Poll)