For those of you who have not heard the news, Jeremiah Masoli, the formerly suspended quarterback of the Oregon Ducks is now the dismissed, former starter of the Oregon Ducks after being arrested yet again.
To recap, back in March of 2010, Masoli and a former teammate were charged with second-degree burglary after they stole, among other things, a couple of Apples and a guitar.
Okay, I'm being a bit glib with the Apple reference; they stole a couple of MacBooks and a guitar.
Anyway, after being forgiven for his trespasses by head coach, Chip Kelly, Masoli was extended a second-chance. He was going to be allowed to redeem himself by staying pristine, clean, and out of trouble.
Kelly even allowed him back to take some snaps with the team during spring practices. It was interpreted by some as a show of maturity by Masoli. There he was, providing not only advice to those who were vying to take his place but a window to 2011 as well. The message was clear: he was gone for 2010 but would definitely be looking to reclaim his spot in 2011.
There was some talk of a possible transfer, but it was clear that his best course of action was to stay at Oregon, take his one-year suspension, and then try return in 2011.
That was the plan.
Well, Masoli must have cement for sense because on Monday night, he was arrested again. What’s funny is the offense might have been dismissed as a minor traffic violation—he might have even had the chance to talk his way out of it altogether—if not for the marijuana and the suspended license.
What was he thinking?
Well, obviously he wasnt, but...really, it just brings me back to my original question: "How stupid do you have to be?"
I try hard not to ever bash on a player but this isn't a 17-year old high school student or an 18-year old freshman. This is a guy who stood to make a pretty penny at the next level if he could follow up on a great sophomore season. A season in which he threw for more than 2,000 yards while rushing for more than 600—scoring 28 total touchdowns—leading his team to both the Rose Bowl and a Pac-10 Championship.
Now, he’s just another cautionary tale of what happens when stupid is as stupid does.
He may still get his shot at playing football again, possibly even in 2010, now that he has no allegiances for 2011.
The FCS (Division II Football Championship Subdivision) has been kind to other athletes who couldn't seem to stay out of trouble—see Willie Williams and Ryan Perriloux—and if Masoli ends up going that route—good luck to him.
As for the Ducks, the era of Nate Costa can now, officially, begin as there is simply no longer a need to look over your shoulder at Oregon anymore—the thrill is definitely gone.
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