Bellisari Suspended for Violation of Team Policy – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/16/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 16, 2001
%^$
%^$
%^$
%^$COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel said today senior quarterback Steve Bellisari has been suspended indefinitely for violation of team policy.%^$
%^$Bellisari was arrested early Friday morning and charged with driving under the influence.%^$
%^$”This is a very unfortunate situation for Steve and our team,” Tressel said. “The Department of Athletics has a policy in place for this type of violation, including effect on game participation and availability of counseling.%^$
%^$”I spoke with Steve earlier this morning. He is most distressed by how his actions could effect his team. For the past 10 months, we’ve discussed the importance of decision making in good quarterback play, the same is true in life. This can be a good life lesson.”%^$
%^$Tressel added, “Our team will rise to the occasion. Scott McMullen will be the starting quarterback. Our focus continues to be on preparing for Illinois.”%^$
%^$
%^$
%^$Ohio State Athletics Director Andy Geiger
%^$Opening Statement
%^$”Good afternoon. You have all seen a release indicating that senior quarterback and co-captain Steve Bellisari has been suspended indefinitely from the football team for violation of team policy. You are also aware that he was arrested early this morning, charged with driving under the influence.%^$
%^$”Coach Tressel has issued a statement as part of the press release that he will not be available in person for interviews today. He will be available for comment after the football game. His task at this time is to prepare his team for the football game tomorrow. He has indicated that Scott McMullen will be our starting quarterback.”%^$
%^$On who will determine the terms of the suspension and on his disappointment
%^$”I think the coach will determine that. Obviously we will all be involved, but it is a coaching decision. This is obviously a shocking development and I was very surprised to get a telephone call at 7:00 this morning informing me on what had happened.%^$
%^$”I think Steve is very upset. I have not personally spoken to him. Coach Tressel has and I know he is very remorseful and upset with what has happened. Obviously this is an event of some magnitude given the game that is scheduled to be played tomorrow and his position and leadership role on this team.%^$
%^$”The drug policy does not mandate a suspension for a first incident. This is at the coach’s discretion. He must however, under the drug (and alcohol) policy, go into a counseling program.”%^$
