CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Oregon State's top pitcher, who was identified Thursday as a registered sex offender by The Oregonian, released a statement Friday saying he has asked to be excused from playing.
Luke Heimlich said in the statement that he didn't want to be a distraction to the team, which begins play in the NCAA super regionals on Friday evening against Vanderbilt. Heimlich's attorney, Stephen Ensor, released the statement just hours before the game.
"I understand that many people now see me differently, but I hope that I can eventually be judged for the person I am today," Heimlich said in his statement.