Suspended Oregon RB Blount reinstated by PAC

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, who was suspended for the season after punching a Boise State player in the wake of the season opener, has been allowed to rejoin the Ducks.

The university requested Blount’s reinstatement, which was approved by Pacific-10 Conference Commissioner Larry Scott on Monday.

Blount will be able to play for the No. 14 Ducks on Saturday night when they host Arizona State. He missed eight games.

Blount issued a statement saying he was grateful to Oregon coach Chip Kelly for giving him a second chance.

“Now it is up to me to prove to people that their lasting impressions of me are not what they saw in Boise,” he said.

Blount punched Byron Hout following the nationally televised opener, bringing the Broncos’ defensive end to his knees. The next day he was suspended for the season by Kelly, but he was allowed to keep his scholarship and practice with the team.

“We have tremendous respect for Oregon. Those coaches, we know most of those guys very well. And so, whatever they decide we’re 100 percent behind. I think that’s good for all involved if that’s what they chose to do,” Boise State coach Chris Petersen said.

Kelly later said that if Blount met certain academic and behavioral conditions, he would be allowed to return. The earliest possible date for his reinstatement was last Saturday’s game against Stanford, but the Ducks waited until this week to bring him back. Kelly insisted there was no delay in Blount’s return.

Kelly would not discuss the special requirements for reinstatement, calling it a private issue.

Kelly recommended Blount’s return to athletic director Mike Bellotti on Sunday night. It was approved by university President Richard Lariviere before being turned over to the conference for approval.