Ohio State's Spence practicing while facing possible permanent ban for 2nd positive drug test
Ohio State defensive end Noah Spence is awaiting word on further discipline after a second positive drug test resulted in an indefinite suspension, but head coach Urban Meyer says he's still part of the team.
"Yeah, he actually practiced today," Meyer told reporters, via ESPN.com. "He's doing things to get healthy, but he's also --- you know, we're supporting him."
Spence apologized last weekend and pledged to enter a rehabilitation program after testing positive for ecstasy for a second time.
The junior was also suspended for the entire season, a penalty that was later reduced to three games, after testing positive before the season began.
He is eligible to appeal, and no timetable has been given regarding a disciplinary decision. A source told ESPN.com that it's a "long shot" Spence will be cleared to return to the team.
The All-Big Ten lineman led the Buckeyes with eight sacks last season.