Oregon's Suspension of Jeremiah Masoli: How Do We Move Forward?

This has been an extremely rough offseason for the Oregon Ducks to say the least. There have been enough arrests for the men in green to fill a county drunk tank. The worst of all is Jeremiah Masoli's 2010 season-long suspension. So now the question is what will, and should, happen to his career at Oregon?

Many have been saying that he should just transfer and forever leave the state of Oregon in order not to create a snowball effect on the future of the other Duck quarterbacks. But what good can come from that for Masoli himself, and actually, the future of Oregon? None.

I believe that Chip has made a great decision in allowing Masoli to redshirt his suspended year for the chance to come back in 2011. Why? Chip doesn't give up on his players, and neither should the media or the fans.

Do I think Masoli should play on Saturdays again? Nope. I just believe that giving up on someone probably means they too will give up on themselves.

Jeremiah Masoli should practice hard all of this year, next year and for the remainder of his life. He should attend every team event. He should sit behind Darron Thomas next year, and he should earn his degree, that Chip has so graciously allowed him to, and give him a shot at earning a spot on an NFL team.

If he can't continue his football career, he has a prestigious degree from the University of Oregon that he can sure use to put towards bettering himself, and possibly the community. Also, he will have learned a valuable lesson that will benefit him, and hopefuly others forever.

The ball is in his court. He will be watched closely. His actions from here on out at Oregon will dictate which way his life is headed, and how he is remembered. He has a chance to square himself with his teammates, friends, coaches, fans, and even his family.

I strongly believe that no person, no matter how bad, can't be corrected. People are wonderful in that one can be forgiven no matter what. It is up to the one who did the bad deed to earn that forgiveness from the one's he hurt. It just takes hard work, dedication and the willingness to put your pride aside. 

So dig deep, and think of others. America was built by people who worked together to create a special place, and I want to be there in building a special place at Oregon, and even all of college football. The question is, do you?