Ohio State’s Noah Spence Ruled Ineligible
Ohio State Defensive End Noah Spence has been ruled permanently ineligible by the B1G Conference. Spence has tested positive for illicit drugs on multiple occasions during his time at Ohio State, and has been in a residential rehabilitation program for the last several weeks. According to NFL.com, Spence was suspended for the 2014 Orange Bowl loss to Clemson after testing positive for ecstasy before the game. Spence then tested positive for the drug again prior to the start of the fall football season, and was immediately declared ineligible to play by Ohio State.
Following the ruling, the Ohio State Athletic Department released a statement, including these words from Athletic Director Gene Smith:
“While we are disappointed in the outcome, we are pleased that Noah has come a long way, and we are very proud of the progress he has made with regard to his health,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in a school statement. “The Department of Athletics will continue to assist Noah through his pursuits and provide the academic resources necessary to help him complete his degree program.
Since Spence is an academic junior, with a second failed test for a banned substance, the denial of his appeal effectively ends his Ohio State football career. Spence is expected to enter the 2015 NFL draft as a consequence, and is projected to be one of the top 10 defensive ends to enter the coming year’s draft.
For his part, Spence seems to have already turned the page on his collegiate career, in response to the ruling following his appeal.
Not what I wanted but now it's time to get ready for the next level, I've learnt so much in the last couple months that it's all worth it..
— Noah Spence (@nspence94) November 26, 2014
Here’s wishing Noah Spence good luck in sustaining his sobriety, and in his professional football career.
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