From Ashes to Roses

       As I was watching the Rose Bowl on New Years Day, with the Ohio State Buckeyes facing off against the Oregon Ducks, I though about how impressive it was that the Ducks, under first year coach Chip Kelly, were able to save a season which started out on the wrong foot, to say the least. In the aftermath of their 19-8 loss at Boise State, Oregon RB LeGarrette Blount punched a Boise State player and was suspended for the remainder of the season, which I blogged about here. To say that everyone had written off the Ducks would be an understatement. But then, they started winning. After handing USC their worst loss in twelve years, the Ducks became a contender for the Pac-10 champion. And when they only needed to beat their biggest rival, Oregon State, to get to the Rose Bowl and win the Pac-10, thought unthinkable after their horrendous start.
       And for their big game, the Ducks reinstated their senior running back Blount. Coach Kelly said there were certain academic and behavioral conditions Blount had to meet before he would get reinstated.  And Blount helped the Ducks get to the Rose Bowl, where although they would lose to the Buckeyes, the success of the season was obvious. Earlier, I blogged about how I thought Blount deserved a second chance, a chance he got and took advantage of. After Blount's actions in the beginning game of the season, did Blount deserve a second chance? And how have his actions and subsequent reinstatement affected your opinion of him? Is he still a player with an anger management problem, or is he a guy who made a mistake, but learned from it and has redeemed himself?