Michigan State senior linebacker Max Bullough has been suspended for violating team rules and will be ineligible for the Rose Bowl. In an announcement released on Thursday, Spartans coach Mark Dantonio said the two-time captain would not play in the No. 4 Michigan State matchup versus No. 5 Ohio State.
''It is extremely disappointing for all parties involved,'' Dantonio said. Bullough had 76 tackles this season, earned third-team All-America honors and was named to first-team All-Big Ten.
Max is a third generation Spartan. His grandfather Hank, father Shane, several uncles and a younger brother (Riley) are all Spartans. ''Max will forever remain a Spartan and valued member in this team's achievements,'' Dantonio said in the statement.
There's has been no indication as to exactly why Bullough was suspended. Coach Dantonio said senior Kyler Elsworth and sophomore Darien Harris are splitting first-team reps at middle linebacker in practice. Elsworth said he talked to Bullough, who told him to stay focused on the game.
"It's been pretty tough," Elsworth admitted. "It's only one day in, but I talked to Max and he said he doesn't want us to dwell on that. He wants us to focus on our job here at the Rose Bowl."
