Missouri State head football coach Dave Steckel announced that quarterback Breck Ruddick, who was accused of animal abuse, will remain with the team but will not play for the remainder of the 2016 season. Steckel said Ruddick admitted to causing the injuries to a friend’s dog.
Ruddick hit a 42-pound Australian shepherd named Luca. The dog suffered a broken jaw and several cracked teeth, requiring surgery to repair the damage.
“I think his mindset is partial relief, his complete mindset is remorse, his complete mindset is sorrowful, and I made it very clear to him that with all actions, there’s discipline,” Steckel said.
After the allegations surfaced, Missouri State’s Office of Student Conduct took on an investigation that was finished by the school’s Title IX office. Their findings were submitted to the athletic department and the Office of Student Conduct. Steckel made his decision following that investigation. Ruddick is still waiting on a decision by the Office of Student Conduct.
Missouri State Athletic Director Kyle Moats said that it’s possible that a decision could be made from that office to expel Ruddick from the university.
The Bears are 3-3 and have five games remaining. They play this Saturday at Northern Iowa.
