Chip Kelly is all Class

Chip Kelly, the new head coach at Oregon, has had a lot to deal with in his first year on the job. The opening game loss at Boise State wasn't that bad in hindsight, but the way they lost was embarrassing. An offensive attack that was talked about as the best on the West Coast was completely shut down. Then the team's star player, LaGarrette Blount, punches an opposing player in the face. When Chip Kelly made the correct call to suspend Blount for the season that took some serious cojones. It showed that he is in charge and everyone around the program had to take notice. He put character and actions ahead of talent and wins. Not many coaches would do that. I was impressed right then and there. But then came the news yesterday that Chip Kelly sent a check for $439 to an Oregon Alum who had sent him an email complaining about the team's performance against Boise. The $439 covered the travel expenses for the individual. How many people on the planet would have made that gesture? Coach Kelly could have and probably should have just ignored the email and gone on with his day. But to take responsibility for what happened on the Smurf Turf in Boise showed an incredible amount of class. It appears that the Oregon Ducks football program is in good hands with Coach Kelly.