The Big Ten declared the junior defensive end permanently ineligible on Tuesday in response to an appeal of Spence’s second failed drug test for ecstasy. According to a statement from Ohio State, the school assisted Spence, a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2013, with the appeal process.
“Ohio State junior student-athlete Noah Spence has been declared permanently ineligible from all intercollegiate athletics competition by the Big Ten Conference,” OSU athletic director Gene Smith said in the statement released Tuesday night. “The Ohio State University Department of Athletics had assisted Noah and his family leading up to an appeals process that took place today.”
Spence was originally suspended for last year’s Orange Bowl and the first two games of the 2014 season failing a drug test for ecstasy for the first time before the Big Ten Championship game. The Buckeyes were anticipating Spence’s return to the lineup before the Kent State game on Sept. 13, but news emerged that Spence failed another drug test. Now, after the appeal was shot down, Spence will not suit up for the Buckeyes again.
Spence, who registered 52 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks last season, had been working out with the team while taking classes and attending drug rehabilitation programs.
"While we are disappointed in the outcome, we are pleased that Noah has come a long way and we are very proud of the progress he has made with regard to his health," Smith continued in his release. "The Department of Athletics will continue to assist Noah through his pursuits and provide the academic resources necessary to help him complete his degree program."
Spence hinted on Twitter that he will set his sights on preparing for the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Harrisburg, Pa., native was a five-star recruit in the class of 2012 that Rivals.com rated as the ninth-best prospect in the country.
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!
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