Ohio State DE Noah Spence ruled permanently ineligible by Big Ten
The Big Ten Conference has declared that Ohio State defensive end Noah Spence is "permanently ineligible from all intercollegiate athletics competition," the school announced on Tuesday.
Spence was suspended indefinitely in September after a second positive test for the drug ecstasy, a suspension he appealed. He missed Ohio State's Orange Bowl loss to Clemson last season and the first two games of this season after the Big Ten suspended him three games for his first positive test.
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said on Sept. 22 that Spence was getting "full-time treatment" and was no longer practicing the team, but was not dismissed.
From a statement by OSU director of athletics 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. 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."
The junior was named first-team All Big Ten by media after recording eight sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss last season.
The Buckeyes (10-1) host Michigan (5-6) on Saturday.
- Molly Geary
