Second Chances

Being a Phillies fan, it might seem natural to write this week's blog on the World Series. There are many lessons in the games of the last week. The baseball season has ended and now baseball fans look forward to the Hot Stove League that will carry us to spring training. Instead of a World Series entry, I found a more compelling story in Sports Illustrated last week. Here it is.


Those who follow this blog (thanks to all of you) may recall an entry on the new Oregon Duck football coach Chip Kelly. His star running back punched a Boise State running back after their first game then taunted the fans (the game was held at Boise State). The Ducks lost and Coach Kelly had some decisions to make. I was impressed he suspended his running back, LeGarrette Blount, but kept him on the team and allowed him to practice. In addition, his scholarship was not taken away.


Fast forward to this past weekend where the Ducks crushed the USC Trojans. This is no small feat as the Trojans are usually in the hunt for the National Championship. They beat them handily, 47-20. It seems the Ducks have moved on without Mr. Blount, in fact they've gone undefeated since his suspension. The Sports Illustrated article (November 2nd) detailed their season leading up to last week's game. The article also caught us up on LeGarrette's activities since the suspension. First, he asked Coach Kelly if he could call Boise State coach Chris Peterson and linebacker Byron Hout (whom he punched) to apologize which he did. Second, Coach Kelly consulted Kermit Washington, Tony Dungy and Harry Edwards who have counseled Blount. Third, Blount sent a letter of apology to the Oregon student newspaper. Fourth, Blount is a regular visitor to at-risk youth centers. He is going to class, being a leader at practice, and just might be reinstated this season. I was impressed at the punishment in September and even more impressed at the results. I hope this is a long-term change in behavior and will be a case study for the future. Blount should have been suspended. But Coach Kelly knew that throwing him off the team would devastate the young man and not provide a life lesson.

How about your organization. What are you doing with the misfits, bad boys and girls, poor performers? As I've said before, people don't get out of bed in the morning with the desire to mess up your organization. Something institutional may be going on that requires appreciative inquiry, counseling and constant attention. Is it worth it? Ask LeGarrette Blount. I can only guess his answer. Well done Coach Kelly! Let's hope LeGarrette's behavior allows him to play one more time before his eligibility is up.