EUGENE – University of Oregon Head Football Coach Chip Kelly has announced that there is potential opportunity for senior running back LeGarrette Blount to be allowed to have his playing status be reinstated prior to the conclusion of the 2009 season.
Blount was suspended by Kelly following the Ducks’ 19-8 loss at Boise State on Sept. 3, with the suspension initially to include the exclusion of playing in any games for the remainder of the season.
Kelly said he developed a plan that Blount would have to follow in order to retain his status with the team. The plan later was revised to encompass a possibility of Blount’s return.
The Oregon first-year head coach added that any reinstatement would occur at a later date and certainly not immediately.
“After speaking with a number of nationally renowned professionals in the field, which included Dr. Harry Edwards and Tony Dungy, I came to the conclusion that leaving the door open for LeGarrette’s potential return as an active player was the best solution,” Kelly said.
“He has a rigid set of conditions he must live up to and there are certainly no guarantees in place. This merely provides him the opportunity for my reconsideration in the future should he meet those demands.”
Oregon Director of Athletics Mike Bellotti said that both he and University President Richard Lariviere had been kept up to date in regards to the process, and Bellotti reiterated his support for Kelly’s decision.
Blount has remained a part of the school’s football program since the initial suspension was announced Sept. 4, which included remaining on scholarship. He continues to have access to all of the University’s support services provided to all student-athletes, is allowed to take part in all team activities, including practice with the team, and is held accountable to all team rules and regulations.
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