Joe Bachie Declared Ineligible by Big Ten For Failed Drug Test
Michigan State senior linebacker Joe Bachie has been declared ineligible by the Big Ten Conference for failing a random drug test, the university announced. Bachie tested positive for a substance that is considered performance-enhancing and banned by the league but no further specifics regarding it were immediately shared.
"All my career I’ve done my very best to represent Michigan State in a positive manner on and off the field," Bachie said. "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."
The university will support his decision to appeal the conference's decision.
"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 head 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 today. 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. As a program, we plan to appeal immediately, and will continue to support Joe however we can. He will forever be a Spartan."
Bachie has 37 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks and one interception on the season.
Michigan State will play Illinois on Nov. 9.