LeGarrette Blount

LeGarrette Blount is a running back for the Oregon Ducks. He is a 6'2", 240 pound transfer student from East Mississippi Community College. Last year he rushed for over 1000 yards and scored a school record, 15 touchdowns. After the first game of this season, (in which Blount's team loss) Blount punched Boise State's Byron Hout in the face. He was suspended for the remainder of the season the next day. But, he was allowed to remain on scholarship and practice with the team.

Some are calling for the banishment of Blount from college football. Others are questioning what was said by Hout to cause Blount to explode. Hout tapped Blount on the shoulder, made a comment, then turned with a smirk on his face. What has happened since the punch, is something in between banishment and reinstating him to the team. He has been given some guidelines to follow, that if he completes and follows, he could possibly be reinstated to playing.

Where Athletes forget about sportsmanship

I will take you through the process of an athlete (from my point of view). From youth sports to the professional level.

Youth Sports. It once was used to teach sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork, life skills and the fundamentals of the prospective sports. Now it is used for adults to live their dreams. From teaching kids that winning is the only thing, firing VOLUNTEER coaches for losing, to abusing sports officials. Coaches fighting on the sideline, coaches tackling the other teams runningback, parents fighting over who's kid is the best, parents and coaches fighting referees and kids not shaking hands after the game. This is the common scene at most youth sporting events.

Highschool Sports. Highschool sports have taken on the same problems as college. Coaches are not being retained because they boast a high graduation percentage. They are being fired because they are not winning enough games. Forget about the fact that they are helping to produce positive young men and women into society.

College Sports. Winning! No matter the cost. Forget about morals and ethics. Win and get us into a major bowl game so we can get the big money. That is the between the lines statement that most people miss. Universities make alot of money playing in bowl games.

Pro Sports. WIN!!! In pro sports, winning is the bottom line. That is what brings in the big bucks......

Suspended, allowed to practice, stay on scholarship

LeGarrette Blount punched an opponent in the face. He continued by threatening someone in the crowd. It took security, teammates and opponents to get him under control. No matter what the other player said, was it enough to justify any of Blount's actions. Athletes are taught to lose with dignity. One of the most famous sayings is, " You can't learn how to win, until you learn how to lose."

Blount was allowed to stay on scholarship and practice with the team even after he was suspended. One would like to believe that it was strictly to allow him the opportunity to receive an education. But, one has to also consider that he is a pretty good runningback, and that after this blows over a little, Oregon figured they may be able to bring him back. Well, they have been winning without him, which may prove negative in his favor. But, he is a senior, so that may play in his favor, when the decision goes in front of the Pac-10.

Blount made a bad decision. Everyone deserves another chance, even though this is not his first infraction. But, sometimes, we have to suffer the harsher consequences to learn from our mistakes. There should have been a televised apology, with a handshake. His stipulations to returning to the team should have been made public. Instead it seemed to be a secret. Which means we may never know the truth to why he remained on scholarship and was allowed to continue practicing with the team.

Sportsmanship in sports

Over the past two decades, sports have become even more competitive. But, it seems that we have lost all sportsmanship. We have lost it in pretty much every sport; golf, tennis, swimming, marathons, track & field, race cars, football, baseball, basketball, soccer etc.....the list goes on and on......And with modern technology, most of it is caught on tape now.

Athletes Problems

Most athletes problems didn't start when they got to college or to the pros. For most of them, it started in youth sports, or when they were playing at the school level. They were treated like stars, and could do no wrong. Coaches allowed them to do things that they would not accept from any other player. Normally, these players are above the law or rules that are set for everyone else. This goes on until their talents are no longer needed or they do something that puts them in national light.

Should Blount be allowed to play again?

Should LeGarrette Blount be allowed to play college football again. According to today's standards in sports, YES!! He should be allowed to return to his team and help them gain a bid to a bowl game. Should he have been suspended? Yes. Surprisingly he was not released from the team and his scholarship.

I guess it is hard to "kill" the "monster" that you helped create!!