Buckeyes TE Bennett Christian Suspended For Season
Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Bennett Christian is suspended for the entire 2023 season after testing positive for a banned substance, head coach Ryan Day announced Monday.
Christian said in a statement on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, that he took a supplement that contained a substance that was banned by the NCAA and failed a drug test in January. Day said Christian will still practice with the Buckeyes in 2023 despite being ineligible to play in games.
Christian, who will be ineligible until January 2024, said he takes full responsibility "for what goes into my body" and wants his suspension to "be a lesson to everyone."
"I am sorry that I put myself in this position and even more disappointed to have let down my teammates, coaching staff, and family," Christian said in a statement. "I accept responsibility for my actions and for the suspension. This all could've been so easily avoided if I would've reached out to our training staff about the supplement and clarify that it was within policy. That will forever be a lesson learned and something all athletes should be aware of going forward.
"My goal this year is to be the absolute best teammate I can be, and to continue to support this program for which I am so grateful to be a part of. I look forward to returning in 2024."
Christian redshirted his freshman season after playing in two games against Toledo and Michigan State. The Acworth, Georgia, native did not record a reception in 2022.
When Christian returns to the Buckeyes in 2024, he'll have stiff competition for the starting role. With tight end Cade Stover's likely NFL departure, Joe Royer will likely return as well as Jelani Thurman, who is a 6-6, 258-pound freak of nature.
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