Oregon's James builds on proud tradition in Eugene

University of Oregon running back LaMichael James was arrested Wednesday morning on domestic violence charges including assault, menacing and strangulation. James was booked into what Oregon football players have come to call “The Revolving Door” — the Lane County Jail — and if convicted, he could face up to a year in prison.

Obviously, the prospect of losing James — who rushed for 1,546 yards this past season as a freshman — caused concern among current and even former UO players … or those who were out on work release.

Unspeakable acts in Eugene

“I pray to God that LaMichael’s problems go away … we’re aiming to lose another Rose Bowl next year,” said UO?quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who was identified by a Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity member as one of two UO players who broke into the frat house and stole electronic equipment in January.

Earlier this week, Ducks kicker Rob Beard was cited for investigation of misdemeanor assault, concerning a Jan. 24 incident in which Beard allegedly entered a brawl to assist fellow kicker Mike Bowlin. (Yes, you read that right. Both Beard and Bowlin are kickers. Who else would hang out with a kicker other than a fellow kicker … OK, maybe a punter. And, just in case you were wondering, yes … both kickers had their asses handed to them.)

Later, UO defensive end Matt Simms was cited for investigation of misdemeanor assault after he allegedly put a hurtin’ on a person thought to have injured Beard. Bowlin and Simms are no longer with the team.

“I don’t see no damn problem here,” said LeGarrette Blount, who was suspended nearly the entire 2009 season for punching Boise State’s Byron Hout after the teams’ season-opening showdown. “Y’all just need to get out of our way and allow us to do our ballin’.”

The senior later was reinstated by UO coach Chip “Forgive and Forget” Kelly before the Ducks’ rivalry game with Oregon State and the 2010 Rose Bowl. Kelly, who was thought to be attempting to brainstorm plausible excuses for James, was unavailable for comment.