Blount reinstated by Oregon

EUGENE, Ore., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, suspended for punching a Boise State player, has been reinstated and is eligible to play in the No. 16 Ducks' next game.

Oregon Coach Chip Kelly Monday said Blount could play this weekend when Oregon plays Arizona State. The Pac-10 Conference approved the reinstatement, allowing Blount to play in the Ducks' final three regular-season games and any Oregon bowl appearance.

"I'm grateful to Coach Kelly that he cares enough to offer me this second chance," Blount said in a statement. "Now it is up to me to prove to people that their lasting impressions of me are not what they saw in Boise.

Blount, a senior, was suspended by Kelly after the running back hit Boise State defensive end Byron Hout as Oregon and Boise State players mingled after the Broncos defeated Oregon in the season-opening game Sept. 3. Hout could be seen yelling at Blount before the punch was thrown.

Blount missed eight games. He had been expected to strongly contribute to the Ducks' offense after a junior season in which he gained 1,002 yards and scored a school-record 17 touchdowns in 2008.