Michigan State linebacker Joe Bachie has been ruled ineligible by the Big Ten Conference after testing positive for a supplement classified as a performance-enhancing substance, the program announced Thursday. MSU says it will file an appeal immediately.

“All my career I’ve done my very best to represent Michigan State in a positive manner on and off the field. I plan to appeal, but to all of those affected, from my coaches to my teammates and to the fans, I apologize for putting them through this situation. I will always be a Spartan," Bachie said in a statement.

Bachie, a two-time captain, leads the Spartans in tackles with 71. A preseason All-American, Bachie has 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and one interception in eight games this year. He has started 34 straight games at middle linebacker for MSU, which has its second bye this weekend.

“Joe Bachie has built himself into an All-Big Ten middle linebacker and two-time team captain through his incredible work ethic and leadership skills," MSU head coach Mark Dantonio said in a statement. "This situation breaks my heart, but I know Joe is resilient and accountable. No one feels worse than Joe does, a sentiment he expressed when he spoke to the team earlier today. This does not define Joe as a player, and more importantly, as a man. He will graduate in December and has a very bright future ahead of him, both on and off the field. As a program, we plan to appeal immediately, and will continue to support Joe however we can. He will forever be a Spartan.”

In Bachie's absence, the Spartans likely will turn to either redshirt senior Tyriq Thompson or redshirt sophomore Noah Harvey at MIKE linebacker.

Bachie won MSU's program MVP award as a sophomore in 2017. Last year, he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the league's coaches and a second-team nod from the conference media.

The 4-4 Spartans close out the regular season with Illinois (home), Michigan (away), Rutgers (away) and Maryland (home).

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