Report: Michigan State LB Joe Bachie ruled ineligible for failed drug test
Michigan State linebacker and defensive leader Joe Bachie has been ruled ineligible by the B1G following a failed random drug test, according to a report from Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. The report came out on Thursday afternoon.
According to Solari, Bachie tested positive for a supplement that is considered a performance-enhancing substance that is banned by the B1G. Bachie and Michigan State plan to file an immediate appeal following the random screening.
BREAKING: MSU senior linebacker Joe Bachie has been declared ineligible by the Big Ten Conference due to failing a random drug test. Bachie tested positive for a supplement that is classified as a performance-enhancing substance banned by the league.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 31, 2019
Both Bachie and head coach Mark Dantonio released statements on the situation Thursday.
“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 prepared 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.”
Bachie will be ineligible for Michigan State’s remaining four games unless he’s granted an appeal by the B1G. The Spartans are 4-4 with games against Illinois, Maryland, Michigan and Rutgers remaining.
“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,” Dantonio said in a release. “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 had collected 71 stops this season, with 8.5 tackles for loss. He’s also broken up four passes and intercepted a pass. Last season, Bachie totaled 102 tackles, with 8.5 tackles for loss and forced three fumbles.