Oregon Public Broadcasting

A star University of Oregon football player has been suspended for the season after he punched an opposing player following Thursday night’s opening game.

Ethan Lindsey reports the school announced the penalty Friday.

Oregon running back LaGarrette Blount hit a Boise State player. Then, after taunts from the crowd, he had to be restrained by police and teammates from entering the stands.

The altercation will cost the running back the final season of his college career. According to U of O, he will keep his scholarship.

The altercation made national news because it was captured on the ESPN TV coverage of the Ducks’ 19-to-8 loss.

Jim Muldoon is a spokesman for the Pacific-10 conference.

Jim Muldoon: “We reviewed the tape and we think the action Oregon is taking on this is very responsible and very strong.”

Some Boise fans called for Blount to be charged with assault. Police say no criminal complaint had been filed.

Blount is a senior and was considered by some to be a possible All-American – with lucrative professional potential.