Earlier this year, LeGarrette Blount, running back for the Oregon Ducks, was suspended by his Head Coach, Chip Kelly for the season. In Kelly's words, "Playing football at the University of Oregon is a privilege..that's not university of Oregon Football."

And you better bet we have the video:

Well guess what Chip Kelly did today? Oh yeah - he "put a plan in place" to help Blount work his way toward reinstatement. This is nothing less than a screw up on Oregon's part. I firmly believe Blount has been given more than a few second chances, and this was the final straw.

Maybe I need to take a deeper look inside college football. After all, I don't know the exact intricacies that take place on and off the field on a daily basis - bu you know who does? Joe Theismann does, that's who.

I called the college hall of famer to help me sort this out - and it turns out we don't disagree. Not only does Blount have a chance at reinstatement, but he's allowed to keep his scholarship! He can participate with the team in any activities besides playing football. I don't know what to think about that, but Joe doesn't have a problem with it - as long as he's not playing football.

I thought Chip Kelly made the right decision in suspending Blount for the year. It was a bold move that warrants respect from his coaches, school and team. So what does it say about him to go back on his word? Joe was proud of Kelly's original punishment, but going back on it is reminiscent of Bobby Petrino in Atlanta - ouch!

Joe was disappointed overall. In what started off as a move to eliminate some of the "garbage" that goes on in the sport these days, all Coach Kelly did was set a poor precedent for future athletes who commit similar infractions. He missed a huge opportunity to show these kids that you have to control your emotions, or suffer the consequences.

I couldn't agree more with the Hall of Famer. How far will we let these kids go? After all, they are kids. And what can we expect out of them in the future if this is what we let slide? You tell me - I'm curious to know what you think about this situation - leave your comments below.

by Dave Wyman

Rashard Mendenhall is one of the many reasons I always talk about personality and character. If you missed the story, I'll sum it up for you: he doesn't know the playbook. Check it out here if you don't believe me.

This is why these scouts and personnel people interview players' kindergarten teachers and high school janitors. I wrote in an earlier blog about the ridiculous personality test I was administered before I was drafted:

I get so frustrated that I feel like crying:

A) Often
B) Sometimes
C) Never

Do you think any linebacker in his right mind would answer A or B? I remember circling C so hard that I tore the paper! Today, that reaction would probably be evaluated as insecurity on my part because of my obvious over-compensation!

But hey, maybe it wasn't so ridiculous. Perhaps the Steelers will administer the following question on their character profile from now on:

If I were to become injured during the season, I would:

A) Work hard to rehabilitate my injury
B) Seek out the best doctors in the country for advice
C) Both A & B
D) Take a tour of Pittsburgh's finest museums

And how did he get hurt? Well, Ray Lewis and the Baltimore defense took offense to a text that he sent to a Raven player saying that he expected to have a field day against the Baltimore defense. Ray Lewis knocked the %$# out of him, injuring Mendenhall's shoulder. Again....this could have been vetted out with a simple questionnaire:

If I were a rookie and preparing to play against the most fearsome defense the NFL has seen this decade, I would:

A) Have reverence for them and all that they've accomplished over the last 10-years
B) Study my playbook more than I ever have
C) Keep my mouth shut
D) A, B & C!!
E) Taunt them with text messages

Hey Rashard Mendenhall, Ryan Leaf is looking for someone to hang out with. Give him a call...I think he's in Canada.

Mariners fans - let's be real. We would ALL love to have Felix stay in Seattle, take us to the ALDS, lead us to a pennant, etc. But let's get real - Seattle doesn't exactly boast George Steinbrenner's payroll. And to keep King Felix, it might take more than our M's have to offer.

However, after chatting with Felix on yesterday's show down at Safeco, it became quickly apparent to me that this kid isn't just a keeper because of his arm - it's because of his attitude too! Please, Jack, don't let him go!

The optimist in me had gone too far, and to bring me back to earth our good friend over at the Seattlepi.com, Art Thiel, reigned me in. He had a great point too - at this point in his contract, Felix Hernandez will never be as valuable as he is now. This means the Mariners will never get more for him than this off-season.

Art was quick to point out the value coming back to Seattle for Felix would certainly balance the lineup with a nice crop of offensive players - giving the Mariners more than one way to win a game next year.

So what say you Mariners fans? Do we keep the King? Or do we add multiple offensive players to this roster? What would you like to see from Jack Zduriencik next year? Leave your thoughts below!

The more Walter Jones sits on the sidelines, the more I start to think he might not hit the field in the near future. Though reports of "optimism" kicked off this NFL season, I'm not seeing anything optimistic after 3 games.

Art Thiel, Seattlepi.com, joined me today, and if there's anyone who's unafraid to give it straight, he's the guy. Simply put, "I think Walter is about done."

Ryan Divish of The Tacoma News Tribune explored this topic in an article he wrote today as well. He was kind enough to join me today, and said that not only is Walter's season a problem, but he's "holding the Seahawks hostage" as well.

Jim Mora, who's usually able to keep a poker face when it comes to the injury report, had an unusually telling response when asked about Walter's status this week.

The Hawks' problems don't end with Walter Jones though. Divish continued to break my heart by noting the several problems with the offensive line - from lack of flexibility to injury after disappointing injury.

Is the sky falling, Seahawks fans? Is there hope? How do we recoup a season that seems lost so early? Leave your thoughts below - give me hope!

Yesterday, during a live broadcast from Safeco Field, a veteran named John from Port Townsend, called into the show to express his gratitude to Dave Niehaus and the Mariners for keeping his spirits up during his tour in Iraq as a company supply sergeant.

Dave even gets on the air with him to thank him for his service! The audio can be found here.

We would like to reach him and have him back on the show and get him to a game this weekend! Please let him know we would like to get in contact with him!

Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik joined the program today to field questions about the upcoming offseason, Griffey's chances of being brought back, His favorite moments of this season, and more.

Jack mentioned right away how important a solid foundation is for long term success. He strongly believes Shortcuts cannot be taken if you want to sustain positive results in professional baseball. One important step is having the right manager, and Zduriencik certainly believes there is plenty to admire about Don Wakamatsu.

When asked about Griffey, Zduriencik had this to say, "Ken's meant a lot to this ball club...he's embraced this community once again. I think people are very proud of what he's done, I'm very proud of what he's done...there's leadership qualities that people have, and he's done so much." Jack went on to say they have yet to discuss bringing Griffey back, but the time to discuss that is after the season.

For the full interview, click here.

We're live from Safeco Field all day today. Many guests stopped by the program today including: Felix Hernandez, Jack Zduriencik, Mike Blowers, Bill Haselman, and more.

Mariners' ace Felix Hernandez came on the show today to discuss his season and the future. Kevin was not shy to ask Felix straight up if he will stay in Seattle after his current contract expires.

Felix hesitated when responding about his future in Seattle, but then replied "I love Seattle. It's one of the best cities, and I love the fans you know, the team. If I stay here, fine for me. I would love to stay here." Kevin followed by asking when Felix thinks new contract talks could begin. King Felix felt he wasn't the guy to ask by saying "Well I don't know, I don't know. You have to talk to my agent. They have to talk to my agent. I don't pay attention about that." One thing going for Seattle is that Felix's wife and kids live in the city. Plus, other family members are on the way.

Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik did not provide any definitive information about Felix Hernandez's future by saying "...You can't really comment on any kind of negotiations that would be beginning or ongoing...I don't think I can publicly come out and say anything regarding Felix's situation."

Felix also discussed how he performs even when he doesn't have his best stuff, and how his body has changed over the last two seasons. A big turning point this season for Hernandez was after manager Don Wakamatsu called him out after a poor start against the Angels. Since then, Felix has been a top contender for the AL Cy Young, but he isn't concerned about that.

Here's the full interview with "The King."

Another player whose future is uncertain next year is Ken Griffey Jr. If he does not return, someone will have to take over his duties as "Team Tickler."

According to Larry Stone of the Seattle Times, Don Wakamatsu is the latest member of the Mariners who doesn't want to speculate on the future of Ken Griffey Jr.

In his Mariners Notebook today, Stone asks the question on everyone's mind: Is this Ken Griffey Jr.'s last stand as a Mariner? On Tuesday's edition of The Kevin Calabro Show, Stone discussed Don Wakamatsu's stance on the issue.

Needless to say, he's not giving away anything more than Jack Zduriencik or Griffey himself. Looks like Mariners fans might just have to wait.

Kevin Calabro wants to see more youth on the field - not just to cultivate the future of the team. He's just not impressed with the effort that Deion Branch has put out on the field and would rather see guys like Deon Butler and Ben Obomanu get a chance on the field.

Kevin isn't wrong about Branch either - Seahawks Insider, Clare Farnsworth, joined him in studio and put it simply: "Deion is there, just gliding through life."

Mike Sando joined Kevin and Clare and weighed in on the Branch discussion, and isn't surprised by the impression Deion has left with them. "I just want to get the sense...that he just wants to be out there so bad. I just want to see more," says Sando.

Sando also weighed in on Jim Mora and his controversial comments regarding Olindo Mare after the loss to the Bears this weekend. "I thought he kind of failed a little test there."

As to whether or not Seneca Wallace is a pro-level quarterback, who can truly step in for Matt Hasselbeck, Kevin and Clare agree that they're two completely different athletes. Mike Sando's not sure what to think about Seneca, as he does something different each time he steps on the field.

Should Jim Mora have tempered his emotions better after the game? Do you want young talent on the field in place of Deion Branch? And what are your impressions of Seneca Wallace? Leave your comments below!

Mariners insider, Shannon Drayer, seems to think so. That is, if Griffey wants to come back.

She does state that, as it has this year, the clubhouse will continue to change and look much different in 2010.

Whether or not he's back next year, Shannon notes the incredible influence he's had in helping establish clubhouse respect of first-year manager, Don Wakamatsu.

Though, bringing back the kid is also unfair to Wakamatsu to a certain extent, as he'll be limited with the talent he has at DH.

Even so, Wak isn't missing out on young DH talent by keeping Griffey, as Shannon states, "Because young player who could fill that position would have to play all the time."

Much speculation has surrounded whether or not this is the last time we'll see Griffey in a Mariners uniform - due to retirement or otherwise. John McGrath, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reminds us what a shame it would be if Seattle fans didn't get to see him off properly.

Steve Phillips, former MLB GM and current ESPN Baseball Analyst, thinks it would just make sense to bring Griffey back next year.

Kevin also brought Larry Stone of the Seattle Times into the conversation, recalling what GM Jack Zduriencik had to say about bringing Griffey back. Larry isn't surprised by Jack's reluctance to give a definite answer.

What do you think? Should Griffey announce his retirement this week so we can send him off the right way? Should the Mariners do all they can to bring him back next year? Leave your comments below!