Reschke leaves team, offers apology
Former honorable mention All-Big Ten linebacker Jon Reschke announced via email at 5 p.m. on Friday that he will not be playing for Michigan State for his senior year and will seek to become a graduate transfer.
Sources indicate that Reschke was hoping to return to the team this year, but steps have been made for the Spartans to move on without him. Michigan State begins spring practice on Saturday.
In the statement he released to media, Reschke said:
"Over a month ago, in an argument and a brief moment of anger, I lost control of my emotions and made an insensitive and totally regrettable comment involving a former teammate. In so doing, I have hurt and offended countless number of people, and for that, I am deeply sorry. If I could take my comment back, I would do so in a second.”
A source told SpartanMag.com that Reschke’s decision to leave had nothing to do with legal problems, academic problems or NCAA problems. The source said Reschke's departure is not related to an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual assault involving three members of the Michigan State football team.
Sources indicate that Reschke left purely due to a personal situation and the “brief moment of anger” and the “insensitive comment” that was made as part of a private, digital conversation.
“I have addressed my teammates and coaches and while many understand my actions were totally uncharacteristic of who I am, the hurt still lingers,” Reschke said in the statement. “Therefore, after discussions with coach Dantonio and other members of the staff, we have mutually decided that I will complete my degree and seek the opportunity of a graduate transfer for my final year of football.”
Reschke is majoring in interdisciplinary studies in social science -- human capital and society. He is on schedule to graduate in 2017.
“To the entire Spartan Nation, to all of my teammates past and present, to coach Dantonio and the entire coaching staff, to all the trainers, managers and administrators - I offer my sincere apology and I thank you for the greatest four years of my life,” Reschke said in the statement. “I will always cherish the friendships, the memories and the journey. There is no doubt in my mind that the Spartan Dawgs will rise up and again return to being one of the strongest programs in college football.
Forever Go Green,
God Bless.”
In his email to media, Reschke said “I would like to release (the statement) as soon as possible. I won't be discussing this with any media for the time being. I truly appreciate everything you all have done for me over the years.”
Head coach Mark Dantonio has not released a statement on Reschke’s departure.
Reschke saw action in only two games last year. He sat out the opener against Furman due to an injury, and then played against Notre Dame. In his only full game of the 2016 season, he led the Spartans in tackles with eight in a victory at Notre Dame.
One week later, Reschke sustained a foot injury in the first half of the Wisconsin game, in what will be his last performance in a Spartan uniform.
Reschke (6-2, 227, Sterling Heights, Mich./Brother Rice) was arguably Michigan State's top returning defensive player for 2017.
As a sophomore in 2015, Reschke started 14 games at Sam linebacker and helped the Spartans win the Big Ten Championship and advance to the College Football Playoff and finish the season as the No. 6 ranked team in the country.
Reschke ranked fifth on the team in tackles with 75 and made the switch from Mike linebacker to Sam linebacker during training camp after incumbent starter Ed Davis went down with a season-ending injury. Reschke’s successful move to a new position helped shore up an emergency situation and played a role in the Spartans’ eventual championship run.
In 2015, he tied for second the team in QB hurries with eight. He was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by coaches and media.
After an upset victory at No. 2 Ohio State, he was named Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week, having recorded six tackles, including a sack and a QB hurry in the victory over the Buckeyes.
Last season, then-sophomore Andrew Dowell started five of the first seven games at Sam linebacker, in place of Reschke.
With Dowell struggling to play the role satisfactorily, he was moved to second string and Davis returned to the lineup for two games.
With Davis failing to play near the standard he had set for himself in 2014, Davis returned to a reserve role for the last three games of the season and Dowell moved to "star" linebacker while junior Chris Frey moved from "star" linebacker to Sam linebacker.
Spring practice begins for the Spartans tomorrow with Frey and Dowell serving as returning starters. Senior Shane Jones started three games at Mike linebacker, also returns, along with rising sophomore Joe Bachie, who moved ahead of Jones on the Mike linebacker depth chart in the second half of last season.
SpartanMag.com projects a first-string lineup at linebacker this spring of Bachie at MLB, Frey at Sam LB and Dowell at "star" LB.
