Football: Bellotti responds to St. Bonny controversy

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Hours after St. Bonaventure football Coach Todd Therrien criticized Oregon recruiters for withdrawing a scholarship offer to defensive back Xavier Ramos after Ramos made a commitment to the Ducks, Oregon Coach Mike Bellotti responded Monday with a statement from the school.

‘We acknowledge this is an unfortunate aspect of recruiting and always feel bad for any feelings that are hurt,’ Bellotti said. ‘Another young man committed to us earlier at the same position and we didn’t feel we could accept both of them.

‘There were breakdowns in communication resulting in the situation not handled as we would have preferred. We always feel it is best to notify all parties involved of our intentions early while they still have options to pursue other opportunities rather than wait until February when their options are limited.’

Ramos committed after receiving a written offer from the Ducks. Therrien said earlier Oregon recruiters were no longer welcome on the Ventura campus.

-- Eric Sondheimer