|
Michigan State plans to file an immediate
appeal with the Big Ten.
"All my career I've done my very best to represent Michigan
State in a positive manner on and off the field," Bachie said in
a statement. "I plan to appeal, but to all of those affected,
from my coaches to my teammates and to the fans, I apologize for
putting them through this situation. I will always be a
Spartan."
A player who tests positive for a PED for the first time loses a
full year of NCAA eligibility and is not allowed to compete for
365 days from the test date. According to NCAA.com, a player
loses all remaining eligibility with a second positive test for
a PED.
"Joe Bachie has built himself into an All-Big Ten middle
linebacker and two-time team captain through his incredible work
ethic and leadership skills," Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio
said in a statement. "This situation breaks my heart, but I know
Joe is resilient and accountable. No one feels worse than Joe
does, a sentiment he expressed when he spoke to the team earlier
(Thursday). This does not define Joe as a player, and more
importantly as a man. He will graduate in December and has a
very bright future ahead of him, both on and off the field."
A three-year starter at middle linebacker, Bachie has a
team-leading 71 tackles this season, including 8.5 tackles for
loss and 3.5 sacks, along with one interception. In 40 career
games (34 starts), he has 285 tackles, including 27.5 for loss
and eight sacks, along with five interceptions.
Coaches selected Bachie to the All-Big Ten first team after his
junior season.
--Field Level Media
[© 2019 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2019 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
 |
|
