Ohio State issues statement on eligibility of Noah Spence

Published Nov. 25, 2014 8:50 p.m. ET

foxsports

It looks like Noah Spence's playing days at Ohio State are over.

Spence, a former five-star recruit from Harrisburg, Pa., has been suspended since last year's Orange Bowl -- after reportedly failing a drug test during the week of the Big Ten Championship Game in early December.

An All-Big Ten first-team selection last season when he finished second in the league with eight sacks, Spence reportedly failed a second drug test in September and had been awaiting a decision on his eligibility.

Ohio State Director of Athletics Gene Smith released a statement regarding Spence's eligibility on Tuesday:

"Ohio State junior student-athlete Noah Spence has been declared permanently ineligible from all intercollegiate athletics competition by the Big Ten Conference. The Ohio State University Department of Athletics had assisted Noah and his family leading up to an appeals process that took place today.

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. 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."