In the visiting team locker-room, University of Oregon football player LeGarrette Blount, who landed the sucker punch seen around the world on Boise State player Byron Hout, was remorseful when he told reporters his eye-popping action wouldn't happen again. He had no idea at the time how true that was.

Oregon has suspended the tailback for the rest of the season and since he is a senior his college football career is essentially history.

Considering the great success Blount had last year, rushing for 1,002 yards and scoring a school-record 17 rushing touchdowns, the punishment could have fairly negative consequences for the team.

 

But Blount's actions were so over the top, the school obviously felt it had no choice but to give their out-of-control student-athlete a severe punishment.

It wasn't only his punching of Hout which was bad enough, but his refusal to settle down even when being escorted by police and Oregon staff to the locker room.

In fact, he looked like he was ready to jump in the stands and tangle with outraged Boise State fans. He made Oregon's 19-8 loss to Boise State so much worse than it actually was.

University officials did show compassion, however. They clearly were within their rights to strip him of his college scholarship if they has so chosen, but they didn't.

An excerpt from the school's press release:

University of Oregon Head Football Coach Chip Kelly has announced that senior running back LeGarrette Blount will be suspended from the Ducks' football program for the remainder of the season following his involvement in a post-game incident after Thursday night's 19-8 loss at Boise State.

Kelly said the suspension would remain in effect through any bowl games the Ducks may play in.

Kelly emphasized that Blount will remain a part of the school's football program and remain on scholarship throughout the remainder of the year. Blount will continue to have access to all of the university's support services provided to all student-athletes, will be allowed to take part in all team activities, including practice with the team, and will be held accountable to all team rules and regulations. However he will not be allowed to participate in any games.

Hout, a Boise State defensive end, did taunt Blount which, in hindsight, was a mistake, too. But as we were told as children, two wrongs don't make a right, especially when the second wrong is so disproportionate to the first one.

The university's president, Richard Lariviere, issued a statement, too. If you're a college athlete and your school's president issues a statement calling your actions reprehensible, you should thank your lucky stars you haven't been expelled.

If Blount is smart, which I realize is a dubious proposition based on his actions, he'll realize he was given a significant gift by the university and will wisely use the extra time he now has to study hard and get his degree from a respected school.

Anger-management classes probably wouldn't be a bad idea either.