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Michigan State Spartans head football coach Mark Dantonio took to the podium at 9:30 a.m. EST on Tuesday in Chicago for part of the Big Ten Media Days event in Chicago. One of the pressing questions Dantonio addressed was about linebacker Jon Reschke.
Reschke left the team in February 2017 after making “insensitive and totally regrettable” comments. The comments were reportedly racially motivated, a sentiment seemingly confirmed Tuesday by Dantonio.
Dantonio said that Reschke is on the roster, but his standing within the program is in a “step-by-step” process right now.
Dantonio says Reschke on the MSU roster, "but it is a step by step process." Next step is if he will come to camp or not, adds that players want him in camp.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) July 24, 2018
As Chris Solari’s above tweet notes, it is not yet known if Reschke will be participating in camp or not. Dantonio also noted that it is up to the players if they want Reschke involved, and most importantly, that the African-American players on team have to support the decision.
We also know that Reschke has been involved throughout the offseason program, and has been conditioning with the team. He is not on scholarship and he won’t have an opportunity to earn one.
Dantonio said Reschke has been around and took part in off-season conditioning. He is not on scholarship and won't be, Dantonio said
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) July 24, 2018
Reschke’s initial plan was to transfer to another school for his final year of eligibility. However, he was dealing with a knee injury and never made it onto another school’s roster. The linebacker missed the majority of the 2016 season with an ankle injury, and would require NCAA approval for a medical waiver and sixth year of eligibility in order to play in 2018.