MSU

MSU football program cuts ties with Ruddick

Jim Connell
JCONNELL@NEWS-LEADER.COM

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.

Breck Ruddick has been released from the Missouri State football program.

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.

Breck Ruddick

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.

The decision to allow him back was made with the stipulation that Ruddick abide by a “contract” before he would be allowed to return to full status with the team.

“We’ve released Breck Ruddick,” Steckel said Wednesday. “He broke his contract, so he’s gone.”

A university spokesman confirmed Ruddick is no longer a student at Missouri State.

Steckel said in September that the contract would include everything from academics to social environment to the football program.

Dave Steckel

The coach did not elaborate on what violations Ruddick committed to be dismissed.

Ruddick’s lawyer, Adam Woody, said the dog bit his client, drawing blood and forcing Ruddick to punch the dog in the mouth until it released his hand.

Ruddick was charged in Springfield municipal court with two violations — cruelty to animals and dog at large — and pleaded guilty to the dog at large charge, with the animal cruelty charge deferred as part of a plea agreement.

Ruddick, a native of Marion, Arkansas, was required to complete 150 hours of community service, pay a fine of at least $500 and court costs and was placed on supervised probation and attend an anger management program. If he completes those tasks, the animal cruelty charge will be dropped.