SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State University head football coach Dave Steckel announced at a news conference late Monday (Oct. 17) that the suspension of quarterback Breck Ruddick will remain in effect for the remainder of the 2016 season.
Steckel suspended Ruddick and removed him from all team activities after allegations of animal cruelty were brought to light on Sept. 23.
Steckel’s announcement Monday came after an independent University investigation into the matter was completed. According to Steckel, he has also imposed the following conditions for Ruddick’s return to the program next year should he choose to remain at Missouri State:
– Pay full restitution to the victim for veterinary charges and damages to her pet
– Apologize to the team and the University for the embarrassment, pain and the distraction the incident has caused
– Fulfill any municipal and/or legal obligations from the citations issued by Greene County Animal Control
– Comply with any disciplinary action taken by the Office of Student Conduct, which is handled separately and privately between the University and student.
The Missouri State Office of Student Conduct is also reviewing the Ruddick case and will determine its disciplinary actions separately.
“The University and I considered the charges to be serious,” Steckel said. “His admitted actions violate the MSU Student-Athlete Code of Conduct and the Missouri State Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
“Our players, our coaches and our staff are focused on playing out our season and representing this university in a positive fashion, as we do every time we take the field. Finding resolution in this matter will help that process and provide closure for all parties to move forward.”
Brodie Lambert, who has been the team’s starting quarterback since week three, is expected to remain Missouri State’s starter for the remainder of the season. The Bears (3-3, 1-2 MVFC) have five games remaining on this’s season slate, including Saturday’s 1 p.m. (CT) conference game at Northern Iowa.
— MSU Athletics —