In a press conference broadcast live on GoDucks.com, head coach Chip Kelly announced the punishments for three of his players involved in legal incidents this offseason.
And the second one he announced during the presser was a somewhat unexpected bombshell that has the potential to shake-up the collegiate landscape in 2010.
According to Kelly, starting quarterback Jeremiah Masoli — the All-Pac-10 quarterback who would’ve appeared on several preseason Heisman Watch lists — has been suspended for the entire 2010 season.
Masoli pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery earlier this afternoon.
Kelly said that Masoli has a redshirt year available to him if he chooses to come back to the team, but reiterated that Masoli will not be on the field in in a Ducks uniform in 2010.
(Of course, Kelly said the same thing about LeGarrette Blount last year, so, OK.)
Running back LaMichael James and kicker Rob Beard have been suspended for the season opener for their legal issues the past couple of months. There’s a chance that James could be suspended for a longer period of time if he does not stay in line with a program that will be set up for him.
Obviously, though, the big news is Masoli being suspended for the entire 2010 season.
Needless to say,. we’ll have more on this as the events develop…
UPDATE 8:42 p.m. ET: Oregon President Richard Lariviere has released a statement on the “situation” the Oregon football program finds itself in this evening:
“The University of Oregon expects all of its students to be responsible, law-abiding members of our community. Recently, several UO student-athletes admitted that they failed to meet these basic expectations and, as a result, they will face consequences.
“I have discussed with Coach Kelly the serious nature of the criminal situations for these young men. I am confident that Coach Kelly has carefully and fairly considered the disciplinary actions he is imposing. I know that he understands the high expectations of Oregon’s faculty, students and fans.”
