COLUMBUS — Ohio State head coach Ryan Day announced on Monday that redshirt freshman tight end Bennett Christian tested positive for a banned substance and has been ruled ineligible for the 2023 season by the NCAA.
Christian tested positive in January. Day said that he will remain with the team and has accepted responsibility. Christian released a statement.
“I’d like to share the news today that I took a supplement that contained a banned substance and I will be ineligible to compete for the Buckeyes for the entire 2023 football season. I tested positive this past January under NCAA testing protocols and I will not be eligible again until next January.
“I am sorry that I put myself in this position and even more disappointed to have let down my teammates, coaching staff and family. I accept responsibility for my actions and for this suspension. The Ohio State staff does an outstanding job educating us. This could have been so easily avoided had I reached out to our training staff about the supplement and confirmed 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. I look forward to returning in 2024.”
Christian played in two games last year as a true freshman.
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