Dear Jeremiah Masoli,

As you head out of town, I just want to take a moment to thank you.  Thank you for coming to Oregon in the first place.  After that one, stellar year at City College of San Francisco and finishing with a #3 national juco rating I can see how you’d bolt for a bigger program.  I mean, all you did in that single year was throw for 3065 yards with 26 touchdowns and a completion rate of 61.3%.  It’s just too bad we couldn’t have had you here a year sooner.

I do understand the circumstances surrounding why you chose a junior college.  It’s kind of tough getting to a D-1 school with a criminal record.  Sure, kids will be kids….and I’m sure you needed the money that you muscled out of people in the Hillsdale Mall and those unsuspecting folks who were just waiting for their bus.  I think the school was a little harsh in expelling you for these transgressions, but as you stated your time in juvenile detention helped you to grow up.  Your quote sure showed your maturity:

“It is what it is.  It’s life, and that’s what happened.  And now I’m here doing this.”

Thank you also for your performance winning the 2008 Holiday Bowl against Oklahoma State, and for leading the Ducks to this past Rose Bowl.  Even though Ohio State won the game, at least those waiting for a bus afterward felt safe.

I also want to thank you for the disappointment you gave myself and other fans of Oregon by putting yourself in a situation with Garrett Embry that netted a 2nd degree burglary conviction.  I want to thank you for first lying to your head coach and basically forcing him to suspend you for the upcoming 2010 season.

Most of all, I want to thank you for not living up to some simple expectations to remain with the team.  I want to thank you for not realizing that with all the mistakes that you’ve continued to make you needed to keep yourself out of situations that could cause you some problems.  Driving with a suspended license AND having a stash of weed really was a fantastic decision on your part.  I mean your coach had the balls to keep you with the team instead of kicking you out on your ass and you’ve shown him what’s most important to you.

Jeremiah, I do want to thank you for all you’ve done for the team as far as the level of play you’ve displayed on the field and furthering a work that was already in progress.  You should be proud that your actions will serve as an example for those who come along after you’re gone.  The name Jeremiah Masoli will resonate for some time.

Lastly, I want to thank you for not allowing the door to hit you in the ass on your way out.

Sincerely,

Sandcrabs.