Missouri State’s football program has cut ties with quarterback Breck Ruddick, the sophomore accused of beating a dog last fall.
Bears coach Dave Steckel made the announcement on Wednesday night at the team’s signing day party at Springfield Brewing Company.
Ruddick started the first two games for the Bears last season — both victories — before allegations surfaced on social media that he beat a 42-pound Australian shepherd he was watching for a friend. The dog, Luca, was treated for a broken jaw and several cracked teeth, requiring surgery to repair the damage.
Steckel immediately suspended Ruddick for conduct detrimental to the team, and after a university investigation, Ruddick was allowed to return to the team, but could not travel with the team or play in games until the 2017 season.