Bennett Christian, a tight end for the Ohio State Buckeyes, will miss the whole 2023 season after testing positive for a prohibited drug, head coach Ryan Day said on Monday.
Christian said in a statement on X, the website that was formerly known as Twitter, that he failed a drug test in January after taking a supplement containing a chemical that the NCAA had forbidden. Day stated that even though Christian won’t be able to participate in games in 2023, he will still practice with the Buckeyes.
Christian stated that he accepts full responsibility “for what goes into my body” and that he hopes his suspension “be a lesson to everyone.” He will not be eligible again until January 2024.
“I am sorry that I put myself in this position and even more disappointed to have let down my teammates, coaching staff, and family,” Christian stated in a statement. “I acknowledge accountability for my deeds and the suspension. If I had inquired about the supplement and made sure that it was compliant with policy with our training personnel, all of this might have been easily avoided. That will always be remembered as a lesson, and moving forward, all athletes should be mindful of it.
“I want to be the best teammate I can be this year and I want to keep supporting this program, which I am so happy to be a part of. I’m excited to come back in 2024.”
Having participated in two games against Toledo and Michigan State, Christian decided to redshirt his freshman year. The native of Acworth, Georgia, did not report receiving a greeting in 2022.
Christian will face tough competition for the starting position when he rejoins the Buckeyes in 2024. Due to the probable NFL departure of tight end Cade Stover, Joe Royer and the 6’6″, 258-pound freak of a player Jelani Thurman are expected to return.
