Boise State Safety Gets Case of 'Oregonitis,' Accused of Battery

While the Boise State Broncos have defeated the Oregon Ducks in each of the previous two seasons, this off-season the Ducks have found a way to beat the Broncos—player arrests.

From the year-long suspension of versatile quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, to the battery accusations against rising star LaMichael James, the Oregon Ducks have quickly become the Cincinnati Bengals of college football.

However, Boise State has begun its quest to catch up to its state-border rival.

A few weeks ago, reports surfaced regarding the suspension of Jason Robinson for violating team rules. It has now been confirmed through the Boise Police Department and Boise State University that Robinson has been charged with a felony. Monday, he was arrested by police on a warrant.   

Robinson, a backup safety and special teams superstar, has been charged with aggravated battery. On Feb. 12, police received a call from a man who was Blounted at a bar fight. Robinson struck the man in the face, which resulted in a broken jaw.

Considering head coach Chris Petersen’s values of punishment and responsibility, Robinson is destined to receive a long suspension. The senior from Los Angeles will most likely be suspended for the 2010 season.

Robinson is praised among the loyal citizens of Bronco Nation for being a key contributor in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl victory. Early in the game, the Broncos set up for a fake punt, but the stingy and well-prepared TCU Horned Frogs were lined up to prevent the fake, and the Broncos opted to punt.

Afterwards, Robinson, who was lining up right off the line for the fake, told coaches that if they tweaked the formation just a little bit, the Frogs would bite.

The coaches put their faith into Robinson’s judgment late in the fourth quarter, with the game tied at 10-10. Rather than punting on fourth and nine, the masters of the trick play shined on the national stage once again, as punter Kyle Brotzman threw a pass to tight end Kyle Efaw for a big gain. Later that drive, running back Doug Martin leaped into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown.

Although Robinson wasn’t on defense often (he recorded 26 tackles last season), he made his impact on special teams. His hard-hitting style of play roughed up the opponents’ return game all season. At the end of the year, Robinson was given the Hammer Award from the Boise State coaching staff, rewarding his efforts on special teams.

Assuming he is suspended for the entire 2010 season, Robinson’s physicality will be missed, especially on special teams.

Resulting from the loss of cornerback Kyle Wilson, Robinson was expected play a larger role in the secondary. Although he wasn’t expected to start, he was going to see more playing time in 2010.

With Winston Venable returning at nickel, and hard-hitting Jeron Johnson coming back at safety, the secondary appears to be strong, although the loss of Robinson will hurt its depth.

The special teams will need someone to step up, like Robinson did last season, to wreak havoc on punt and kickoff returners. Local product Josh Borgman, the Special Teams Scout Player of the Year in 2008, and Tyler Jackson, a sophomore safety with imposing size, appear to be potential suitors.

The 2010 Broncos won’t be affected too much from the loss of Robinson, although according to Chip Kelly’s suspension guidelines, he’ll return in week five.