Ohio State’s Chase Young Will Not Play vs. Maryland
Star Ohio State defensive end Chase Young will miss Saturday’s game against Maryland as the school investigates a possible NCAA violation, the school announced Friday.
Young, a junior pass-rusher, has 13 1/2 sacks in eight games for the Buckeyes this season, leading a defense that has allowed the fewest points per game (7.9) of any team in the nation.
He posted on Twitter on Friday that he'll miss Saturday's game due to an NCAA eligibility issue concerning a loan he borrowed from a family friend. The loan, according to the Columbus Dispatch, was likely used to pay for airfare for Young's family so they could see him play in last January's Rose Bowl win against Washington.
"Unfortunately, I won't be playing this week because of an NCAA eligibility issue," he said. "I made a mistake last year by accepting a loan from a family friend I've known since the summer before my freshman year at OSU. I repaid it in full last summer and I'm working with the University and NCAA to get back on the field as soon as possible."
Young's attorney Tim Nevius took to Twitter to explain the defensive end's loan.
"Chase took a small loan from a close family friend last year to cover basic life expenses. Loan was repaid months ago and we’re working to restore his eligibility. Unfair and outdated NCAA rules punish athletes for making ends meet while enriching everyone else," Nevius said.
Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde confirmed Nevius will represent Young.
Young’s dominance has launched him into the Heisman Trophy conversation, a rarity for a defensive player. He is projected to be a top pick in the 2020 NFL draft if he chooses to declare early.
Ohio State is favored heavily in Saturday’s game against the Terrapins and plays a floundering Rutgers team next week before closing out the regular season with games at home against Penn State and vs. Michigan on the road.
The Buckeyes took the top spot in the season’s first College Football Playoff rankings and are third in the AP poll.
