Defending the Code

While sorting through the sports sections after my recent trip to the East Coast, one headline jumped out at me, “Oregon’s Blount down for the count after decking Hout”.  Having recently relocated to the Bay Area from Portland, all things “Oregon” still catch my eye.  It seems University of Oregon football player, LeGarrette Blount punched a Boise State player after their game and just like that his college career ended.

At first I was shaking my head at yet another sport low light getting thousands of You Tube hits.  Then, reading on a bit, I started nodding.  Seems Oregon’s first-year coach, Chip Kelly made the tough decision to suspend LeGarrette for the rest of the season and there by defend his team “honor Code”.

After reviewing the incident, Kelly was taken aback when he saw the punch on tape.  “That’s not what we’re all about. That’s not what we coach. That’s not what we stand for and it’s unacceptable,” he said.

I had just given a keynote address to over 700 high school athletes, parents and coaches on the importance of culture and the need to defend it.  While I’m saddened by the incident, I feel hearted by Coach Kelly’s swift decision and display of leadership.

Go Ducks — only if the Bears are not playing!

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