Starting Florida State offensive tackle Josh Ball has been suspended by a university disciplinary panel, following a ruling on violence allegations made by his girlfriend last year.
In late September 2017, Florida State University student Sandra Sellers filed for protection against her boyfriend, claiming that Ball had committed dating violence on at least three occasions since December 2016. She also alleged harassment and general violence not related to their relationship. There was no formal filing of charges with the police or State Attorney’s office.
On Monday night, Sellers posted the result of the university investigation, which found Ball responsible and suspended him from the university effective immediately. According to the document, he will be on disciplinary probation from spring semester 2019 until the end of spring semester 2020.
It is unclear whether or not that means he will be able to play in the 2018 season. It is also unknown at this time if Ball can appeal the ruling.
Losing Ball for 2018 would put the team down two starters at offensive tackle. Rick Leonard was the other starter, who graduated and was chosen in the fourth round of the recent NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Possible replacements include Jauan Williams, Derrick Kelly, Abdul Bello, and Mike Arnold. Kelly, who has also spent time at guard, is the only one with starting experience.
We will have more updates on the situation as they develop.
05/31/18 Update
Florida State offensive lineman Josh Ball has been removed from the FSU football roster and is not in good standing with the university, according to a report by the Tallahassee Democrat.
The latest bit of news seems to confirm what many predicted after the initial report of Josh Ball’s suspension was released.
His removal from the roster might be the ultimate sign that Ball’s Florida State career has concluded. While Ball could reapply to the university at a later date, it seems unlikely that he will return to Tallahassee. The absolute earliest he could rejoin the team appears to be in summer semester 2020, two seasons later.
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