EUGENE, Ore. – After months of questions and concerns about a scouting service offered by Willie Lyles to the University of Oregon in regards to the recruitment of Heisman finalist LaMichael James, who is returning for his junior and Lache Seastrunk – Head Coach Chip Kelly has granted Seastrunk his wish for an unconditional release from the team.
Questions about the recruitment of Seastrunk, who redshirted last season, surfaced when the NCAA asked for documentation about the service provided by Lyles’s Houston-based business and the $25,000 that was paid for the transaction shortly after the running back out of Temple, TX.
The documentation that was given in response to the NCAA’s appeared to be outdated – which instantly brought attention to the Oregon football program.
Lyles said in multiple interviews that he had a relationship close to being a mentor to Seastrunk and if he had any part of convincing him to sign with the No. 3 rated Ducks it would be against NCAA rules.
University officials and Kelly have refused to talk about the investigation until the NCAA finishes the process.
Kelly did talk about the future of the former Duck in a prepared statement on Saturday.
“We wish Lache all the best in his future pursuits and will offer our complete assistance to him in his search to continue his football and educational career,” Kelly said.
Since the beginning of fall practice Seastrunk has said that he knows that he had committed anything against the rules and was going to just focus on football.
Seastrunk has mentioned that he has been a little homesick and that his grandmother has been sick.
There has been speculation that the requested release has been due to the fact that he may have not been able to see much time on the field due to the returning of James, Kenjon Barner and the arrival of highly recruited De’Anthony Thomas out of Los Angeles.
Thomas has non-stop rave reviews since he has arrived in Eugene, while Seastrunk has failed to standout while practicing with the scout team.
Reports state that he will possibly transferring to Baylor, which is located 40 miles from his hometown Temple in Waco, TX.
Alan K. Fox can be reached at alanfoxjr@gmail.com and on Twitter @alankfox.
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