WAC commissioner defends decision not to suspend Boise State player
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Western Athletic Conference Commissioner Karl Benson said Monday he accepted and agreed with Boise State’s decision not to suspend Byron Hout for taunting Oregon tailback LeGarrette Blount after Thursday night’s game.
Blount was suspended for the season after he punched Hout (pictured above) in the ugly aftermath of Boise State’s 19-8 victory.
‘I understand the argument that his comments triggered the whole thing and as a result he should be held accountable,’ Benson said on Monday’s WAC coaches’ conference call. ‘I just don’t know if it is to the degree that some people out there demand of the Boise player.’
Boise State Coach Chris Petersen reiterated Monday that Hout would be disciplined, but not suspended.
Benson said the conference chose not to override Boise State and suspend Hout in part because he did not use foul language when he approached Blount on the field.
Benson also said that showing a replay of the incident on the stadium’s video screen was wrong.
‘The Boise State operator did error and erred egregiously,’ Benson said. ‘He was totally out of line.’ He added that any discipline with the operator also will be handled by the school.
Petersen said, upon reflection, he was happy the incident didn’t spark a larger fight.
‘There was close to 180 football players on that field,’ Petersen said. ‘There was a lot of guys doing things correctly. I think a year ago, two or three years ago, I think it would have been very, very ugly. And there wasn’t a guy that even kind of flinched when that whole thing shook down both programs. And those kids really need to be commended for doing things correctly.’
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