Fists of Frustration: The LeGarrette Blount Story
Friday, August 20, 2010 at 9:29AM Joe Simmons 
LeGarrette Blount is often misunderstood. The kid has done all the right things and said all the right things but he will forever be scrutinized by his actions. I am not saying what he did was right, but he was provoked. Anyone with a conscious can tell you that if you provoke a monster, expect to get slaughtered. That is what happened in his first college game last September as he destroyed Boise State linebacker Byron Hout. Blount is being scrutinized by the media again and this time, the person he punched was a member of Blount's own team.
The Tennessee Titans rookie running back took a swing at teammate Eric Bakhtiari after a testy practice on Wednesday night during which numerous Titans players scuffled with one another, according to The Tennessean. Blount was the ball carrier on one play and had his helmet ripped off as the action was whistled dead. He stormed away to the end zone while other players pushed and shoved, seemingly avoiding any conflict. But when Blount walked back to the scrum, defensive end Eric Bakhtiari whispered something in his ear, Blount gave him a shove and then punched him in the facemask, a scene very similar to what happened last September.
Blount immediately apologized to Titans coach Jeff Fisher, saying he promised to put this behind him. Fisher accepted the apology.
"I am not disappointed whatsoever," Fisher said. "His past is his past. [...] I have great confidence in the young man that he has learned from his mistake and is very competitive."
The running back went undrafted out of Oregon, likely because of concerns about his attitude. He had been suspended for the rest of the season following the punch, but was reinstated in November after missing eight games.
Blount feels like his past draws him unwanted attention. "Two plays in a row they pulled my helmet off intentionally, and then they did it again. They almost do it every day. They kept egging on and provoking till it got to a certain point.''
Blount is doing a pretty good job in Titans camp, but if things don’t work out for him there he has a future. The kid is nice with his hands and he obviously packs a pretty good knock out punch. The MMA should come a knocking or he should consider boxing if football doesn’t work out.
Wednesday had been the first day back at practice for Blount, who was attending the funeral of his grandmother. So he obviously had a few things on his mind before the other players started messing with him.
It’s too bad that many people are going to persecute this kid forever. Any time he lifts his hands or retaliates he will be deified and ridiculed. Hopefully he can get himself back on the right path before he lets his anger or frustration get the best of him.
Reader Comments (6)
Man he is misunderstood. But when you see him throw, he has nice technique.
Good Post. This kid can play. Hopefully his reputation doesn't kill his dream.
This kid is misunderstood. The press will never let him be great.
I'm witcha on what happened last year. The man was provoked, and I loved seeing him piece Hout to the ground. With that said, this recent one made me cringe.
Ol buddy has a bulls-eye on his back for the rest of his life. The things we can react to are things the young man can't afford to anymore. He has to take "turning the other cheek to a whole new level," for all the reasons you named. I want Blount to succeed; hopefully, he will, but he's gonna have to drive slow, because all eyes are on him, even when it's totally unfair.
Knowing that you are under the watchful eye it's best just to walk away, also training camp fights happen all the time but being he is known for throwing punches it will be blown way out..
sometimes we can just put the exact mobile phone, wallet, pens or tiny dressing case inside. Even more, it might possibly possibly only have an effect of replica breitling