I'm a BelieverI'm no sucker. I realize in the real world, integrity does not always equate with success. The world of college football is no different. If anything, it often seems he who cheats most and is the biggest a-hole brings home the fat contracts and accoladed. And, yes, I understand at the end of the day it's all about "Ws." It's a business, despite any delusions that college athletics is not. Still, there's something comforting in knowing that some head coaches still seem to have a little human left in them. A sense of right and wrong, a respect for their position, their institutions and their obligation to the athletes and the communities surrounding them. I could be proved wrong, but Oregon head man Chip Kelly seems to fit squarely in such a category -- which is why I'm going to continue to root like hell for him and his team.
This is entitled part deux, because I've mentioned Coach Kelly here before. In fact, it was less than a month ago in this post. I praised his handling and apparently genuine sincerity in delivering the message about LaGarrette Blount and his suspension. There was something in his manner, his lack of apparent spin and just the look in is eyes that told you something about the man. Turns out, Coach Kelly might just be that kind of guy.
Consider the following courtesy of the definitive blog of all things college football Every Day Should Be Saturday:
Tony Seminary is a 1996 graduate of the University of Oregon and a season ticket holder for the Ducks football team. He attended the Boise State game, and witnessed the loss to the Broncos and LeGarrette Blount’s PunchGate up close and personal. After the game, Seminary wrote an email to Chip Kelly, and did what you may have dreamt of doing after traveling to watch your team put in an embarrassing performance on the road: he asked for a refund, and attached an invoice bureaucrat-style. From the original email:
I was so angry with the game (even before the post-game melee) I am sending you an invoice for my trip to Boise. The product on the field Thursday night is not something I was at all proud of, and I feel as though I’m entitled to my money back for the trip. Please see my invoice attached in this email. I will happily send along receipts if need be.
Unlike most fans, he actually wrote this up and sent it. Unlike most coaches, Chip Kelly responded with a personal check written to one Anthony Seminary. (bold emphasis, my add)
Orson/Spencer's got the full story at EDSBS, but let's just say Coach Kelly continues to impress me. Congrats to the Ducks on the win and snapping the Utes nation-leading winning streak. However, just as many kudos should be heading Coach Kelly's way for the way he's conducting himself and the example he's setting for a his program.
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