EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount could be reinstated later this season, according to a report on ESPN.com.
Ducks coach Chip Kelly planned to speak with the media after practice Friday “to discuss elements of his plan that has been in place with senior running back LeGarrette Blount that could include Blount’s potential reinstatement prior to the conclusion of the 2009 season,” the school said in a statement.
Further details were not immediately available.
Blount, who punched Boise State’s Byron Hout after a season-opening loss, had been suspended by the school for the rest of the season. He could be reinstated provided Blount continues to follow a plan set in place after the first game, a source told ESPN. That would not happen until Oregon’s bye week on Oct. 17 at the earliest.
It’s believed Oregon athletic director Mike Bellotti and school president Richard Lariviere have agreed to a possible reinstatement. On Thursday, the Oregon school newspaper published an apology from Blount, who recently became a new father.
Blount has also called Hout and Boise State coach Chris Petersen to apologize for the punch, which was captured by national television cameras. Although he was suspended, Blount remains on scholarship and has been allowed to practice with the team.
The No. 16 Ducks play host to Washington State on Saturday.
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