Report: Oregon coach may reinstate RB LaGarrette Blount, who punched opposing player in opener

Oregon may reinstate RB LaGarrette Blount

EUGENE, Ore. — ESPN is reporting suspended running back LaGarrette Blount could be reinstated later this season.

Oregon coach Chip Kelly is set to speak to the media after practice on 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 the Ducks’ season-opening loss, will have a chance to be reinstated later this season, provided he 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.

The No. 16 Ducks host Washington State on Saturday.