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Ducks reinstate Blount

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2009

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 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.
Blount and Kelly addressed the team on Monday morning.

"He just apologized to them again for the incident," and told them he was eager to rejoin the team, Kelly said. Blount practiced with the team afterward.

CINCINNATI: After a day of deliberation, Coach Brian Kelly decided that Tony Pike will be the starting quarterback when he's healthy.

Sophomore backup Zach Collaros led the fifth-ranked Bearcats to a 47-45 win over Connecticut on Saturday night with the second-best passing performance in school history. Kelly said after the game that he might let Collaros keep the job even when Pike is capable of playing again.

Kelly decided that the Bearcats (9-0) have their best chance with Pike running the offense. Pike has missed the last three games after having surgery on his non-throwing forearm. It's unclear whether Pike will be ready to play against West Virginia on Friday night.

MEMPHIS: The school fired Coach Tommy West on Monday but asked him to stay through the end of the season.

West's firing comes after the Tigers started the season 2-7 and less than 48 hours after a 56-28 loss to instate rival Tennessee. He is 49-58 in his ninth season as head coach.

WEST VIRGINIA: Coach Bill Stewart says sore ankles shouldn't keep running back Noel Devine and quarterback Jarrett Brown from playing at Cincinnati on Friday.

WISCONSIN: Wide receiver Maurice Moore has been indefinitely suspended by Coach Bret Bielema following his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving over the weekend.

SEC AWARDS: The Southeastern Conference's players of the week were Alabama cornerback Javier Arenas, a former Robinson High player; Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett; and Florida punter Chas Henry.

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