Spitz, Barrington run into road blocks

WASHINGTON STATE DT Dan Spitz has been ruled ineligible by the NCAA for the first nine games of the 2010 season for violating the NCAA’s banned substance use policy. Linebacker Andre Barrington has also been ruled academically ineligible for the 2010 season.

Dan Spitz, a redshirt sophomore defensive tackle on the Cougar football team, will be allowed to practice with the team throughout the season.

Under the NCAA’s program, failure to comply with the policy results in the student-athlete being withheld from competition in all sports for a minimum of 365 days. Spitz will therefore be eligible to compete for the Cougars when they host California, Nov. 6.

“Dan made a mistake and he is paying a very large price for that,” said WSU head man Paul Wulff. “Our athletic administration takes these issues very seriously and student-athletes are encouraged to consult with our athletic medicine, nutrition and strength and conditioning staffs with questions regarding any products. While that did not occur in this case, it will hopefully serve as a lesson for all our student-athletes in the future.”

Andre Barrington, a redshirt freshman linebacker on the Cougar football team, did not meet the NCAA’s minimum academic standards and will be ineligible for the 2010 season. Barrington will also be allowed to practice with the team throughout the year.

An official pre-fall camp depth chart has not yet been released but headed in, Spitz figured to be behind d-tackle starters Bernard Wolfgramm and Brandon Rankin, and competing with Anthony Laurenzi, Steven Hoffart and Al Lapuaho for playing time in rotation. Barrington was projected to be backing up starter Myron Beck at the strongside linebacker spot, though he was expected to contribute in rotation -- he was competing with Hallston Higgins and others for PT coming out of spring. The Cougars begin fall camp on Sunday, Aug. 8.