Running backs for the University of Oregon have some anger issues. Oregon starting RB LaMichael James was arrested yesterday on domestic violence charges after his girlfriend said he grabbed her neck and shoved her to the ground during an argument. James was arrested and as of now allegedly remains in jail after being charged with misdemeanor menacing, strangulation, and assault.
What’s especially bizarre is that James, who was a freshman last season, began the year as backup for senior star RB LeGarrette Blount, but became the starter after Blount infamously punched a Boise State player on national TV after the Ducks lost to the Broncos in the opening game of the college football season. James then had a spectacular season, and ended up rushing for 1,546 yards, 9th most in the nation. It looks like Oregon will once again have to worry about losing a star starting running back to an outburst of violence, depending on the results of the legal process in the case and whether the Ducks will levy a suspension against James.
Oregon will likely give James a pretty serious suspension, given that the Ducks have been in the national spotlight now far to many times for all the wrong reasons. In fact, this week Oregon kicker Rob Beard was charged with assault in connection with a fight that left Beard in need of facial surgery. Two other players involved with the incident, fellow kicker Mike Bowlin and defensive end Matt Simms were dismissed from the squad for their participation in the incident. While I doubt Oregon wants to dismiss James from the team all together, I wouldn’t be shocked if he is suspended for the majority of the season.
This rash of arrests related to violence on the Oregon team is strange because I can’t recall such incidents under the watch of former Ducks coach Mike Bellotti. While the blame likely does not lay with current coach Chip Kelly, he has to make it clear to his team that these types of incidents will not be tolerated. It looks like the impact of the message he sent to his team about discipline after the Blount incident had dissipated, and a fresh round of reminders is in order. Whether or not James will be made an example to send this message remains to be seen, but Oregon needs to get its act together before this PR disaster gets worse.
