Yesterday night, on the first night of the College Football Season, Boise State defeated Oregon 19 - 8. Unfortunately, that isn't what will be remembered from a game between two programs among the best in the country. After being defeated, Oregon RB LeGarrette Blount suckerpunched Boise State LB Byron Hout, knocking him to the ground, and then confronted a fan as he was being escorted to the locker room.
Blount might not have been a model football player, but he's never shown anything this idsgusting. Coming into this season, Blount was rated as the number two senior running in the country coming, who with a solid season was looking forward to a second or third round selection, and millions of dollars in his future. But after this debacle, the only thing he's looking forward to is a long suspension, and a career washing cars.
But what's truly interesting is his oddly fitting comparison to Eagles QB Michael Vick. Both were very successful football players, who made bad decisions and were punished for it. But even with the number of similarities between them, there's one difference that stands to between them: their future. Vick, who committed a felony and served two years in jail for it, was reinstated, even sought after, by the NFL. But Blount, who undoubtedly made a huge mistake, didn't kill any living things. Didn't make money off his mistake. And wasn't indicted by a U.S. Grand Jury. But he'll likely never get another chance to do what he loves to do.
It's not like Blount wasn't going to be a solid player. He would likely be a back-up RB for a good team, like the Chicago Bears. Yes, the young man made a mistake, one that he will be punished for, but frankly, who doesn't? So it's a tragedy that he won't get a second chance in a league that gives more chances than Pacman has interceptions.
Blount might not have been a model football player, but he's never shown anything this idsgusting. Coming into this season, Blount was rated as the number two senior running in the country coming, who with a solid season was looking forward to a second or third round selection, and millions of dollars in his future. But after this debacle, the only thing he's looking forward to is a long suspension, and a career washing cars.
But what's truly interesting is his oddly fitting comparison to Eagles QB Michael Vick. Both were very successful football players, who made bad decisions and were punished for it. But even with the number of similarities between them, there's one difference that stands to between them: their future. Vick, who committed a felony and served two years in jail for it, was reinstated, even sought after, by the NFL. But Blount, who undoubtedly made a huge mistake, didn't kill any living things. Didn't make money off his mistake. And wasn't indicted by a U.S. Grand Jury. But he'll likely never get another chance to do what he loves to do.
It's not like Blount wasn't going to be a solid player. He would likely be a back-up RB for a good team, like the Chicago Bears. Yes, the young man made a mistake, one that he will be punished for, but frankly, who doesn't? So it's a tragedy that he won't get a second chance in a league that gives more chances than Pacman has interceptions.
Wow, now that's a glaringly obvious double standard. Maybe the fact that Blount's mistake was related to sportsmanship made it harder for some people to separate his football career from the mistake? Or at least that's how people might perceive it so Vick is the more profitable option in the eyes of the NFL?
ReplyDeleteDrew -- great photo in the banner design. This post is certainly well-linked and written. Think about how you might end the post with something more direct to your readership.
ReplyDeletePersonally I think (I don't want to get ranty or offend anyone) but I think the NFL and college football are both outdated institutions. Both glorify sexual double standards with cheerleaders and 300 lb men running into each other like a gladiator war. I think that the sport of football is why Blount did what he did. He was only using the emotions that this sport encouraged.
ReplyDeleteWhile I understand that football players are extremely talented athletes, I will never be able to stomach glorified gladiators make hundreds of millions while inner-city teachers, those truly helping society, make less than one percent. It seems obvious that kids will look at people like vick and Blount as examples. Which would you rather be, a despicable human being with women and money or a teacher who knows that he's doing right for the world.
Drew, this post is thoughtful. Your links and your breadth of coverage are quite good. The post could be more focused, however. It purports to be a post about why athletes are put on a pedestal, but it becomes rather diffuse when you make the (inapt?) comparison to Vick. wonder if our discussion of a Redemptive Narrative might have provided some focus.
ReplyDeleteYour rhetorical question at the end runs sort of counter to the post (Who doesn't get punished? Lots of people. Goldman Sachs, Dick Cheney, et alia). You follow that up with another comparison (Pac Jones) that seems a little far afield.
Last I want to go on record as saying that Hout taunted this guy first. The second guy always gets blamed syndrom would make for a good post. (Also, what of the punishment that the Ducks are exceeding all pre-season expectations -- ducky?! -- without Bount?)
Your blog on the whole is good, Drew Bob -- curious and expansive. Stay current each week as we go forward, though!