Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla has apologized for complaining publicly over the way Ducks coach Mark Helfrich referred to his absence from last Saturday’s game against Tennessee.
After the game, Helfrich answered vaguely with the word ‘circumstances’ to several queries from media about the reason for Lyerla’s non-appearance against the Vols.
Lyerla, who had a stomach flu, felt the answer could be misinterpreted and told a reporter that he was really upset with what Helfrich said and that he was ‘hurt’ and ‘disappointed’.
The talented tight end said after practice on Monday that he never meant to be a distraction and that he was sorry. He and Helfrich say they discussed the issue and they’ve moved on.
It’s good for Oregon that Lyerla and Helfrich have made up. Lyerla is a major weapon in the Oregon attack and he’ll be needed if the Ducks are to make a national title run. Meanwhile, Helfrich was able to defuse a potentially discordant off-field issue and show he had the maturity to smooth things over with a star player.