Despite suspension, Ohio State defensive end Noah Spence practices
Less than a week after news came out that Ohio State’s Noah Spence had failed a second drug test and he was indefinitely suspended due to a violation of school and Big Ten rules, Spence, a star junior defensive end, practiced with the team Wednesday.
Spence’s future on the field is unknown at this time, but head coach Urban Meyer maintained that the program is doing what it can to be supportive.
“He actually practiced today,” Meyer said per BuckeyeGrove.com. “He is doing things to get healthy. We are supporting him.”
Spence reportedly failed a drug test for ecstasy for the second time in nine months. Spence was originally supposed to return from a first drug-related suspension for last Saturday’s game against Kent State, but he was again suspended after a second failed test.
Spence’s parents spoke to the Columbus Dispatch last week and said that their son has a “medical illness” and would be seeking treatment with the help of Ohio State’s medical staff. The family met with Meyer and defensive line coach Larry Johnson last Thursday. According to the Dispatch, Spence revealed his problems to his parents during that meeting.
Additionally, ESPN’s Brett McMurphy reported that Spence would begin a drug rehabilitation program soon.
Spence, a former five-star recruit, was a first team All-Big Ten selection in 2013 after he registered 52 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
It has to be helpful for Spence to be in a structured setting and around coaches and his teammates while he goes through a difficult time. He won’t see the field anytime soon due to his suspension, but I don’t have a problem with him being with the team. Being with people who have his best interests in mind as he enters a treatment program certainly can’t hurt.
For more Ohio State news, visit BuckeyeGrove.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
