Ohio St. LB Klein dismissed following charges

[July 09, 2012]  COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio State Coach Urban Meyer dismissed senior linebacker Storm Klein from the football team on Saturday following his arrest on domestic violence and assault charges.

Klein pleaded not guilty to the charges on Saturday after being arrested by Columbus police on Friday.

A message seeking comment was left Saturday.

Meyer said in a statement that the charges against Klein "violate the core values of the Ohio State Football Program."

"As a result, Storm has been removed from the team. It has been made very clear that this type of charge will result in dismissal. If there are any changes in the charges, we will re-evaluate his status," Meyer said.

Klein appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court on Saturday represented by a public defender. The senior who started 10 games last year was told to stay away from the person who filed a complaint against him.

Klein is one of several linebackers vying for a starting job with the Buckeyes.

Two other expected starters for Meyer's first Ohio State team were suspended in June after being arrested on a misdemeanor charge of obstructing official business.

The university says Klein is a sport and leisure studies major from Newark, Ohio, who played in 38 games and started 10 times at middle linebacker last year.

Minor injuries limited him in practice this spring, the university said.

[Associated Press]

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