To Chip, Ernie, and Mike

Keri S.

March 21, 2010 - 10:30 PM

For those of you who may have been living in a cave for the past few weeks, Oregon athletics has been in the news quite a bit lately. Unfortunately, it is not for all of the good reasons they have been featured for in the past, such as their outstanding athletic talents or their most recent all-star recruits. With the football players in legal hot water, the basketball coach recently fired, and the high-profile athletic director leaving campus for ESPN...it seems that every time I turn on the news I hear more and more about what is going on in the athletic department. I so far have avoided talking about any of current events, but have decided to touch on it now that most of the information seems to be out in the open. The following is my personal opinion on what is going on as addressed to Chip Kelly (Oregon Football Head Coach), Ernie Kent (previous Oregon Basketball Head Coach), and Mike Bellotti (previous Oregon Athletic Director and Oregon Football Head Coach).

To Chip: you have had an amazing season with a Pac-10 Championship, Pac-10 Coach of the Year, and a trip to Pasadena to go to the Rose Bowl. I had the ability to go down to the Rose Bowl this year, and was never so proud to be a duck even though we lost. Congrats on a great first season on the field. But what, my friend, is going on off the field? For weeks, all I heard on campus was the latest buzz on which football player was in trouble this time. Although it started off as ridiculous and funny rumors, I began to get upset when the so-called rumors have been leading to criminal convictions and year long suspensions. I understand that as a coach, you need to keep your athletes to certain standards. I also understand that you cannot control your players who may be driving drunk, breaking into fraternity houses, and assaulting alleged girl friends and mobs on the street. I do, however, believe you can clearly outline and constantly remind your athletes of the consequences of their actions. With nine football players in legal trouble since the Rose Bowl, you have had your hands full during this off season. I believe that Oregon Football should be in the news for their athletic achievements and not for their not-so-stellar actions off the field. I hope that in the coming years, you can continue to take a strong stand against these actions to give your athletes the incentive to keep their hands clean. Although, as an avid Oregon Football fan, I am upset of the year long suspension of Jeremiah Masoli and the suspension of other players as well, I support your decision and the rationale behind your decision. I know that our team is strong and deep, and hope that we can find replacements and back-ups to take the place of those athletes who could not best represent Oregon off the field. Keep up the good work and keep rocking the visor!

To Ernie: thank you for all of your dedication and hard work to Oregon Basketball over the past 13 years as coach and your many years as a player. Under your command, Oregon Basketball saw some great national exposure with an Elite Eight advancement during March Madness my senior year of high school, and with star players such as Aaron Brooks who now plays for the Rockets. Although I know this season was rough, I have always been a fan of yours and will be sad to see you go. Like Mac Court has learned, all good and historic things much eventually come to an end. The inaugural season at Matt Court will lead to many changes for Oregon Basketball, and sadly a new coach is one of those things.

To Mike: I am extremely saddened that you will be leaving us here at Oregon. Autzen Stadium has been your home for over twenty years, and campus will not be the same without you here. Although I know you will accomplish great things at ESPN, I hope like hell we don't soon lose you to another school. When my grandpa, the ultimate duck fan, was hospitalized a few years ago for many months, my mom met you at a soccer game in Eugene. My sister and your daughter were playing against each other in a pre-season high school game. My mom approached you for an autograph for my grandpa, and you so eloquently and sincerely wrote "To Bob-feel better soon and GO DUCKS!" I have always been such a fan of yours, and it will be hard to think of Oregon Football without you a part of the program. Best of luck at ESPN!!

Overall, I know that the University of Oregon has been through worse. Although the legal issues with the football players do not have an upside, I think that the changes that will come with the firing of Ernie Kent and the recently vacated Athletic Department seat will allow Oregon athletics as a whole will gain some new perspectives and continue to grow. With a strong attitude and a duck can-do sprit, I know that as an organization we will soon be looking back on this and wondering what all the fuss was about. For now, the best of luck to all those involved in the future decisions of the athletic department, and forever "GO DUCKS!!!"