Blount could return for Stanford game if he meets "difficult" goals

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Coach Chip Kelly says running back LeGarrette Blount could be reinstated to Oregon's football team this season.

Kelly announced Friday that there is "potential opportunity" for the senior running back to play for the No. 16 Ducks before the end of this season. He said Blount would be eligible no sooner than the Nov. 7 game against Stanford.

Blount was suspended for punching Boise State's Byron Hout in the aftermath of Oregon's 19-8 season opening loss to the Broncos.

Blount's suspension banned him from games, but he was allowed to remain on scholarship and practice with the team.

Oregon said in a statement that Blount was required to follow a plan to maintain his status with the team, but the "plan later was revised to encompass a possibility of Blount's return."

Kelly said any reinstatement would not occur immediately and was not guaranteed.

(Copyright 2009 The Associated Press)

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PORTLAND, Ore. - Weeks after he was suspended for punching a Boise State player, University of Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount could be coming back to play for the Ducks by the end of the season.

In a press release issued late Thursday night, the University of Oregon said the school’s head football coach, Chip Kelly, will discuss with the media Friday morning Blount’s "potential reinstatement."

Kelly was repeatedly asked four weeks ago after he suspended Blount if there was any chance he would play with the team again. His answer was an unequivocal no.

“We will not put up with that,” he said. “That is not the University of Oregon. So he will be with us, but he will not be allowed to play any longer this season. … LeGarrette Blount will still be on our team. LeGarrette Blount will just not play for us on Saturdays,” he said.

Blount issued a written apology in the university’s student newspaper. In it he said, “On a personal note, I probably will never be able to erase the memories of the post-game events of that day. Given this, I do not expect to be given a second chance to be a positive and responsible member of the football program and of this community.”

From the very moment Blount threw that punch, fans erupted in emotion and Thursday night’s news stirred up the controversy again.

Some fans said the punishment was deserved and Kelly should just let it stand, but others said it is a teachable moment and Blount should be given another chance.

“He was wrong. It sets a precedent for future athletes to play in,” said one fan. “You did something wrong, the emotions of the game got the best of you, you don’t deserve to play again.”

But another fan said, “It would be a travesty if LeGarrette Blount wasn’t given the same opportunity to redeem himself over the course of the year.”

Blount slugged Boise State defensive end Byron Hout Thursday, Sept. 3 after the Ducks lost 19-8.

As Boise State began celebrating on their famous blue turf, Hout yelled in Blount’s face and tapped him on the shoulder pad. Before Broncos head coach Chris Petersen could pull Hout away, Blount landed a right to Hout’s jaw, knocking him to his knees.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.