deep, deep, deep, dark, deep, dark pit

yeah. it's devastating. i've been a duck fan when the ducks totally suck and lose a bunch of easy games and then go to the seattle bowl and get their asses kicked by BYU or UTEP or something. i've seen horrible offense. i've seen crappy QBs and RBs and something similar to the South Eugene High School as the defensive line.

we've suffered through losing seasons (although, not 28 consecutive ones from 1978-1998, so i am not that pro at dealing with it. maybe i'll ask my OSU friends how they coped for so many years). anyway, the point is, it is absolutely horrific what happened to the university of oregon, its fans, its alumni, its football team, and its national reputation, such as it was anyway.

i was so upset as "the punch" was replayed over and over above the blue turf. especially after the boise state fans had been so gracious to us as we cruised in our green and yellow through the tailgate parties. i heard more "good lucks" than i've ever heard at a NCAA football game in my entire life. everyone was having real fun and, it seemed, prepared for a real good time.

of course there was some old-fashioned taunting, like when the ducks finally had a first down and the entire crowd joined the visiting section in a standing ovation. and even i had to join in under my breath when the fourth quarter "ov-er-rate-ed" chants began.

but is what happened after the game is a symptom of what is happening everywhere (exception: T. Tebow)? it's fairly obvious that Blount isn't a man under control. he is a gigantic boy out of control. he is a child, from what background and experience, i'm not sure, thrust into D1 semi-super-stardom without the skills to handle himself off the field. whose responsibility is it to help children make this transition into adulthood? possibly parents, and for football players, coaches, too?

i am happy to see him suspended for the rest of the season. his life is changing. hopefully the football program will provide some support so he can graduate (likely?), mature, and get himself under control. it wouldn't be responsible of the university to cut him loose, would it? he's already a loose cannon. or is it OK to use him and lose him when he screws up? or are they teaching them anything besides how to thread a gap? who knows.

i hope this suspension gives him an opportunity for a second chance at starting a life. as we watch all of our saturday games this season, we should remember that these young men are very young. it is remarkable what they do and the pressure they are under. yes, blount is and should be getting the punishment he deserves. maybe they've even been too soft on him. but hopefully it will prevent him from taking the road of maurice clarett.

now, as for the chip kelly era having begun. OH F*$&K.