Sports betting numbers on the Oregon Ducks are going to move now that the team has suspended starting quarterback Jeremiah Masoli for the season. The Ducks were considered darkhorse sportsbetting contenders to win the college football national championship next season but not anymore.
Sports betting with Oregon had its moments last season as the Ducks made it all the way to the Rose Bowl before losing to Ohio State. It is very unlikely they will have similar sportsbetting success this coming season without their star quarterback. Masoli pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary and was given probation but the penalty imposed by Oregon head coach Chip Kelly was stiffer. Masoli will now miss the entire 2010 college football season. He had even been mentioned as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate so his loss is huge for Oregon. It may not be the last college football action for Masoli though as he is still enrolled at Oregon. “He does have a redshirt season available to him if he chooses to do that,” Kelly said.
Oregon also made some other decisions regarding their players as running back LaMichael James was suspended for one game. “I am extremely disappointed anytime any of our players fall short of our expectations that have been clearly outlined for them in advance on numerous occasions, and this is especially true regarding their roles within the community,” Kelly said. “Their accountability for their actions is paramount and any tainting of the reputation of the University of Oregon and this football program will not be tolerated.”
Masoli pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal that saw the charges reduced from a felony. Former receiver Garrett Embry also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor. Both of them were sentenced to 12 months of probation and 140 hours of community service.
Oregon is going to really miss Masoli next season. He threw for 2,147 yards and 15 touchdowns in addition to rushing for 668 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Ducks would have been right with USC as a leading contender for the Pac-10 title next season but the loss of Masoli downgrades Oregon’s sportsbetting chances.
The issue now for Oregon is to clean up a program that has been riddled with problems. University president Richard Lariviere is confident that is what has been done. “I am confident that Coach Kelly has carefully and fairly considered the disciplinary actions he is imposing,” Lariviere said. “I know that he understands the high expectations of Oregon’s faculty, students and fans.”