Speaking publicly Thursday for the first time since testing postitive for a performance-enhancing substance, Michigan State linebacker Joe Bachie said the substance in question was an "over-the-counter pre-workout."
Bachie wound up being suspended for the final five games of his senior season. The Big Ten upheld its decision after Bachie made an appeal.
"Took it one time, six days before I was tested. That's how it failed," Bachie told reporters at the NFL combine. "Three weeks later I got tested again, perfectly clean. Went to the appeal at the Big Ten office, it didn't go through.
"But really from that point on, I just turned into a coach with the team. Went to every meeting, every lift, every practice, all the home games."
Bachie, who graduated in December, said he used the pre-workout for an extra lift during the season. He said he had taken the substance and passed multiple drug tests when it was formerly certified.
It was heartbreaking, he said, when he learned the test came back positive.
Bachie, a two-year co-captain, finished the season with 72 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in eight games. He's seen as a possible late-round draft pick.
